A Cleansing Experience With A Bit Of Heat

A room full of people, sweating like crazy, making sure to not hit the person next to you....

Yup, I had my first hot yoga experience, AND I loved it!! This desert girl was totally okay with the crazy hot temperature.  It is a crazy hot temperature too, above 100 degrees Fahrenheit for the whole class.

I am not exaggerating when I say I was completely soaked by the time the class was complete.  I was happy that I never felt sick through the whole class, actually I felt completely focused.  Sometimes the heat can leave you feeling uncomfortable.  They actually let you know at the beginning of class, if you feel lightheaded, or sick, be sure to go into child's pose for a few minutes.

Since life has been a complete roller-coaster this year, my dedication to yoga has not been what I hoped.  I honestly have not enjoyed a yoga class in over 2 months.  I decided since this year will be ending perfectly (I will share those details later, promise,) I want to take back 2011!  That means getting myself back on the yoga wagon, I adore yoga, and how it makes my body feel! By the way, I still manage to break out in an asana everyday, I wanted to make sure to keep my balance, and enjoy my favorite poses.

For this class I chose a relaxed class, one that will give you a fantastic workout, but still give you the ability to walk the next day!  The class was a perfect choice for someone who had been on a yoga hiatus.  AND I would like to say....SHE IS BACK!  I loved today, especially since I finally had the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful hot yoga class at Arrichion! 

What a cleansing experience, I would definitely enjoy another hot yoga class.  Now to head on over to some yoga studio websites and pick some classes to go to next! 

Namaste
Terra

Life's Paths

I am always amazed at how life takes us down paths for a reason, some good, some bad. 

In 2005, during some tough times in my life, I read a book that would change my life forever; The Red Tent. At that same time I also read Life of Pi, and Mists of Avalon.  There were life lessons in each book for me, things that I hold dear everyday of my life. 

In The Red Tent, Dinah was given so many challenges, and she had to discover how to overcome them all.  Dinah showed me, only look forward.  Let go of the past, the negative, the sadness...look "Only Forward!"

Life of Pi taught me about other religions, and spirituality.  It opened my eyes to a whole world out there.  I feel Life of Pi was the reason I started looking more into spirituality, Buddhism, and especially enjoying my yoga journey! 

Mists of Avalon shared with me about the Goddess, and how beautiful and peaceful she is. 

All three books have helped me get to where I am today.  I work so hard everyday to live a happy, positive life. 

When I decided to read The Red Tent, I just picked it up because someone recommended it.  Had no clue how helpful it would be.  So like I shared in the beginning of the post, I really am amazed how life takes us down paths for a reason.  I chose that book, at that time in my life for a reason.

I discovered today I did it again, I chose a book that would help me in my life again.  I am reading The Alchemist.   I was told if I enjoyed The Red Tent, I would love The Alchemist.  It took me six years to finally read the book, so my life path decided it was time. 

This path is still being paved, but I can see where it may be leading me, thanks to the book.  Have you had experiences like this?

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

Namaste
Terra

Dusting Off The Cobwebs + A Vegan Recipe!

Wow, it has been since July 25 that I have posted here...
 
So what is new? 

 I have lots, some exciting, some not so exciting...

1. Had my first big catering event in July.
2. One of my recipes was published in a book.
3. I am working as a Pastry Chef at a Cafe in town.
4. AND I am getting better at making vegan and gluten free dishes, YAY!!

Now what about my yoga and meditation?  Welllll...that is the not so exciting news....

I was doing amazing, but as you can see I let life get in the way.  So I am slowly getting back into my routine, and loving it.  I decided I want to try some new fun things in the next few months.

1. I finally want to try my first Glow Green Girl fresh green juice, they do look amazing!
2. I need to finally stop talking about hot yoga, and go try it!
3. AND some fun news, I will have my first yoga apparel giveaway!

Life has been testing on my soul, but I am a determined woman, I can conquer anything!

If you didn't know, I  share recipes over at my sister site CafeTerraBlog.  A few weeks back I made a fun vegan muffin.  My friends tried them, and loved them. I hope you enjoy!

Vegan Granola Raisin Muffins

1 cup granola

1/2 cup almond milk

1 cup golden raisins

1 cup whole wheat flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup applesauce

1/4 cup sorghum molasses

1 banana mashed

1/4 cup coconut oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

 

Directions – 
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.


In large mixing bowl – mix together almond milk, applesauce, sorghum molasses, mashed banana, coconut oil, and vanilla extract.

 

In separate bowl – mix together whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and granola.

Mix flour mixture with wet mixture, add in raisins, do not over mix batter.

Place muffin cups in muffin pan, fill batter all the way to top of muffin cup, it can over flow.  The batter does not rise much.

Note – The muffins are fun, full of flavor, but really dense.

Enjoy!

 

Since I am new to vegan recipes, tell me some of your favorite foods you use to flavor a vegan dish.

I am so happy to be back, and I couldn't be any happier right now!

Namaste

Terra

My Discovery On Yoga And Meditation!

In January I started my yoga and meditation journey.  I actually really noticed changes in me, in just three short months.

Then April hit, and life became sooooo crazy.

I finally really feel like life is coming back to normal.  It took almost four months to see my life get way too out of hand. 

I have had something nagging my insides for awhile.  Saturday night what was nagging me, finally surfaced.  I said to my husband, "I think I have went back to my old ways, who I was before my yoga journey started." That person I was before my yoga journey started, well I don't like her (me) much. 

My husband was honest, as I asked him to be, and said not completely, but yes you are back to your old ways. 

Hearing my husband say that, well, it made me evaluate me, and my life. 

He said he was only answering the question I asked.  I let him know it is exactly what I needed to hear. 

I now know how very important yoga and meditation are on my life personally. 

What is the next step?  Well that is not an easy question, it will be a habit change for sure. 
My first step I decided, listen to the audio book that changed my life.  I need to listen to Eat, Pray, Love again.  Remind me of where I what to be in my life.

I look forward to starting this blog back up, and sharing what makes me happy in life!

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti
Namaste
Terra

The Power Of The Mala

I am new to yoga, meditation, learning about chakras, and now learning about malas....but one thing is for sure....my life is sooooo much better these days.

I went to a beautiful yoga class on Sunday with Yoga Untwisted, and felt amazing the rest of the day.  I even told my husband I felt so surrounded by positive energy, I just felt so happy.  He of course liked that feeling, and stressed how much he wanted me to keep growing with yoga and meditation. 

I still struggle to incorporate yoga in my busy schedule, which makes me sad.  Whenever I do get a chance to do some asanas, I feel amazing.  I am thinking I may need to start doing a early morning routine some days.  Early + Morning....well they don't go well with me lately.  BUT I will try!!

I have slowly been learning all I can about spirituality, and the beauty of it.  I have read about malas, and mentioned on Twitter how I would love to have one.  So the funny part is, TinyDevotions had a contest, AND guess who won a mala?  YEP, ME!!! A handmade, beautiful Kiwi Jasper Mala.  Now to learn how to use this gorgeous mala.  I went to my dear yogis, Teeg and Lorin, they gave me two perfect links to help me.  One link shares what a mala is. The second link shares how to use a mala.

The beautiful part was, the moment I put it on, the energy I felt was overwhelming....and is still overwhelming.  What a powerful piece of jewelry!  I immediately went to Teeg making sure I was feeling all the right things.  Thank you to the lovely Teeg, she has shared with me some wonderful information.

When you first get the mala, you are to wear it for the first 40 days.  I look forward to the journey I will enjoy for the next 40 days!  One area I hope I find, is my voice.  I feel shy chanting even if no one is around.  So I will explore finding my voice!

The mala I received is Kiwi Jasper, and will help to cleanse and align my chakras.  "This mala facilitates shamanic journeys and recalls dreams. It absorbs negative energy and gives protection, it will cleanse and align chakras and aura which in turn balance yin and yang."~Tiny Devotions

{If you remember my yoga journey, you will remember I am working on the negative in my life.  What a perfect mala for me, something I truly needed.}


Om Shanti Shanti Shanti
Namaste
Terra

Excited To Do The Glow Green Girl Cleanse

I disappeared for a few months, life it just gets in the way sometimes!  I am so excited to be back to my crazy normal schedule.  I say crazy normal, because really what is normal?

I will slowly get myself back to my favorite schedule of five days a week of yoga.....one hour to two hour workouts:-)

I cared for someone for a few months, it was a wonderful experience.  BUT the downside was he smoked, A LOT!  When I completed the temp position I decided I needed to do a cleanse to help clean my system out.  I was so excited to find The Glow Green Girl Cleanse, so perfect, living healthy + yoga = happiness :-)

Would you be interested in some fun recipes during my Glow Green Girl Cleanse?

It has been one year this month since I stopped drinking soda, and now I don't even want that sugary mess.  BTW I used to be a big soda addict!  Thank you to NoFizzClt for their 30 day no-soda challenge!  At the end of the year it will be one year since I decided to cut down on my candy intake, I was a candy addict.  I love any gummy treat out there, seriously!  Now I am going to venture and try gluten-free. I notice my body does not work with white sugar and white flour well.  So a new challenge for me! I am really interested in learning all I can with gluten-free.  Please share with me your favorite gluten-free recipes!

I have noticed I have been having troubles with dairy, so dairy-free is totally fine with me:-)  I love love almond milk!  I had some yesterday with a pinch of cinnamon, yum!  I only drink the original almond milk, the vanilla and chocolate is too sweet.  After the cleanse I may still enjoy white cheeses, but eliminate milk still. 

The best part about doing the cleanse, my hubby wants to do it with me!

Namaste
Terra

Yoga for people with Asthma?

Hi my lovely yogis!!! I have a very dear friend who has asthma, allergies, and all that lovely good stuff:(

She even has to have a gluten-free diet.  Her dream is to someday eat banana bread, and Belgium waffles again:-)

She just wrote me and said, "The wind is blowing, and my asthma is acting up.  I need some yoga moves to help with my breathing."

Do you have any asanas you recommend?

Namaste
Terra

Feeling Salamba Sirasana Pose Lately {And a question for my yogi friends}

Well my lovely yogis, I slacked major last week.  Well actually slacked is a bit harsh to say, I have been crazy busy these days.  My plate is more full then it has ever been.  AND I love it!!!!  Soooo here I am finally, and with some long overdue news to share. 

Do you remember the lovely shirt I won on Flying Yogini's site?  The handmade Mishogawear, so beautiful!!!  WELLLLL....I believe a few days later I found out I won a lovely shirt on YisforYogini's site.  I never win, and then win two things right in the same week!  Now that is just CRAZY talk!  I am soooo excited to have the privilege to sport two beautiful yoga shirts.  The shirt I won on YisForYogini is from Elements of Yoga, and has a gorgeous Lotus on the front. 

So I promised Lo I would get in a yoga pose to show it off.  AND well decided the Salamba Sirasana was so appropriate with my crazy upside-down life these days.  I am still doing the headstand against the wall, especially because I am still building up my core strength.  I love doing the headstand, I make sure to enjoy it for 25 breaths or more.

Now I have a question for all my yogi friends.  This week will be the fourth week I have had to work 8-4 schedule.  It is a temp job, and it has been so fun.  I am just not used to the busy schedule, because then I come home and blog/write/cook/take photos/edit photos etc... So time for yoga....well it just hasn't happened.  But on Friday I did 60 minutes of a Vinyasa yoga, and 15 minutes of meditation, AND felt amazing.  I believe it kick started me to get back on track, even if I only do two days this week, I know I will feel great.  For the yogis who have kids, full-time job, and crazy life, how do you make sure yoga is included in your daily routine?

I have been walking still everyday, which has continued to make me feel wonderful.  But not the same as a lovely 60 minutes of yoga.  I am hoping to finally enjoy hot yoga for the first time this week, cross your fingers I can.  I am catering my very first event this weekend, a Kentucky Derby themed party.  My week will be filled with Mint Juleps, Derby Pie, Bubble and Squeak Sandwiches, and other lovely appetizers.

Once my schedule is more normal, and I am done with this catering event, I will make sure to share more blogs with you.  I hope your week is truly beautiful!


Namaste
Terra

A Thirst For The Path Of Self Realization

I have a dear friend who I am so thankful to have in my life!  It has been 18 years since I have seen him, we graduated from high school together.  Life is funny, the roads we take, the life we end up leading....  We both are completely different people today, COMPLETELY different!

He has been my mentor for learning all I can about meditation.  I am so thankful for his guidance and inspiration!  I received this email from him this week, and again felt so inspired...and shed a few tears.

 I hope you find inspiration in his words like I did:

"You had mentioned you "will get there someday" with your yoga and meditation practice... just be gentle with your practice and don't judge whether you do it or not... remember it is a sacred gift for your "Being" to have this practice. If you do it once a week - then great - if its everyday - then great...

Perhaps I am making more out of this than need be but I have felt and I continue to feel your inspiration for yoga and meditation and I know how difficult a practice can be. Sometimes the word practice is substituted with the word discipline and that’s just what it takes - discipline. The sacred practice of mediation and also yoga are thousands of years old, as you know, so it is a privilege and an honor to have such practices now. You are an inspiration in what you do so be sure to stay positive and simply practice with Absolute Mindfulness / Divine Awareness when you have the time and don’t worry or become disappointed when you don’t have time.

The ancient texts state that we may live one thousand lives before we ever hear the word God, Enlightenment, Nirvana, Christ, Buddha or Krishna even uttered from the lips of another human being. Caught in darkness and once we hear one of these Holy words or Holy names spoken it creates the thirst for the path of Self Realization and our path towards light begins. And you my friend are well on your way.

Continue to shine your light onto all those in your life. I am truly honored and blessed to be in your light and I thank you for being a part of my life."

I am thankful to have you in my life, Jason!
OM Shanti Shanti Shanti
Namaste
Terra

Just needed to be reminded.....

I read the audio book "Eat Pray Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert in December 2010.  That was only about four months ago, but feels much longer then that.  The book made me stop and think about my life, and ask myself some much-needed questions.

Some of the questions were very important for me, and for my marriage.  More thoughts have come since I have read the beautiful book, thoughts that continue to put me on a new path in my life.

I am thankful today for watching the movie "Eat Pray Love."  It brought back all the memories of when I read the book, and how I felt, and why it was time to make changes in my life.

I am can honestly say that some of my questions are being worked on, and I am on the right path to peacefulness!  Patience....well it is not in my blood, but I am trying to find it....and use it while continue on my new path in my life.

Thank you to yoga, meditation, YIOM, 365yoga, my yoga friends (I do see you as my friends, and someone very special!) and to Jason!

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti
Namaste
Terra

Sometimes Yoga = Gratification

This week may have been busy, but it was the best busy week EVER!  Not only did I get a wonderful new job, I got an opportunity to help a family in need.

Almost 11 years ago, I got certified as a CNA (Certified Nurses Assistant.)  I worked as a CNA for only a short period of time, and did not keep my certification going.  I had experiences that changed my life with that job, but also discovered that was not my destiny.

I believe in life we take each path for a reason, sometimes to get you to another point in your life.  When I became a CNA, I met a lady who encouraged me to go to school to be a Dietitian.  Cheri Patch's picture still sits on my mantle today, she was that inspirational.  I went to the University of Arizona and received my Nutritional Science degree.  I did not have any real science background, yet managed to survive, and get a B.S. The best moment of my life- well one of them!

On Sunday night I agreed to help out a family, it was short-term notice.  The man is blind, I had to learn to share life visually.  He is so kind, and has such a fascinating life.  He actually worked at the White House, and worked with a past President!

He continues to thank me for helping out, and shares how happy he is to have me there.  He even said today that he will miss me when I am done in a few weeks.  The lady that normally takes care of him will be back soon, she was injured and needs time to heal.

I did two days of yoga poses, but five full days of yoga!  I have had such an enlightening experience.  I know I am a foodie, but sometimes it is nice to change things up in my life.  I know I took this temp job for a reason, because each thing in my life has lead me to my next destination.  Each person I have met has impacted me somehow, or someway.  I look forward to what the future holds for me.

 

OM Shanti Shanti Shanti
Namaste
Terra

My Yoga Partner

Since I can remember, I tend to do workouts on my own.  I did have a running partner for awhile, then she moved.  Otherwise, I just work out at the gym by myself-at home alone-and walking Ode alone.  I love my time with Ode, just her and I walking, enjoying that "present" moment.  If my husband is home, having him join us on the walk is a bonus.  Since I started back into yoga, I still find myself working out alone.  Honestly, I am completely okay with that. 

I recently met Rachael, another yogi.  I love that she wants a yoga buddy, she calls to see if I want to join her at a class.  I love talking about the class after, especially because I am usually on a yoga high.  Well, that is what I call it, I feel so amazing, and full of energy!

If there are days where I am alone, I just want you to know, I AM REALLY NOT ALONE!  Seriously!  Here is who I worked out with yesterday for an hour.

He was like this, RIGHT next to me the whole time.  His name is Tuki, which means Sweetness, and is the perfect name for this beautiful boy! 

I remember reading Cesar Milan's (The Dog Whisperer's) books, when I found Ode.  The one thing I loved reading, is working towards having a calm and submissive animal.  Let me tell you, that is all my cats, so calm and peaceful.  My dog, WELL that is another story.....

When I am doing the floor poses, especially Savasana, I feel little feet come on my chest.  My Juno, A.K.A. June/Junebug/Junie, she is my precious angel, and sooooo social.

She always wants to help in different poses, AND she has even sat on my lap during meditation.  I love that about her!

Do you enjoy a workout buddy, or are you one that tends to workout alone?

This is Paco, he will be 18 in August!  I celebrate his life everyday!!

Namaste

Terra

My Love for Cooking!

This will not be a long post, been a busy week, I think my weeks only just got busier!  I am officially a freelance writer, and have two sites I am writing for.  My writing is fun, I get to cook!  Twist my arm to cook, LOL! Yesterday I  made Creme Brulee at CafeTerra  for the first time ever, AND it turned out.  Well nobody got sick at least. ;-)

I have to say, all of the blogs you have been sharing for YIOM...wow!!!  I seriously have learned so much. I now am trying to remind myself everyday, yoga is not just about asana.  That concept is hard for me to wrap my head around.  So two days in a row now I have not done any yoga poses, which I personally hate.
I also want to learn more about Chanting, thank you to TheVeganAsana post.  I definitely am uncomfortable with my voice, and enjoying the chants completely.  So I have work to do to fully understand chanting.

 I will definitely be doing some yoga poses today, not sure if it will be intense, or relaxed yet though.  I also love love the Spirit Voyage site.  They have live streaming music, and it is free!!! The music is really beautiful.  I find myself wanting to listen to the music, and it is perfect for my meditation time.  Bonus!!!!

I look forward to catching up on all the YIOM blogs this weekend, my hubby needs the computer....so thank goodness for smart phones!

Namaste
Terra

My First Ashtanga Class!!

There is a donation studio here in Charlotte called the Dharma Lounge.  They offer Ashtanga and Power Yoga classes a few nights a week.  My friend loves Ashtanga, she just recently took her very first My Sore class, yay!

I don't know what actually interested me about this form of yoga, but I have been dying to try it.  I found Kino MacGregor on Facebook, and Twitter, and immediately fell in love with her website.  Will I get my legs over my head? My sources say no, but that is okay! :-)  But I can continue to improve, and build up my strength!

I did have one problem, I may need a different mat, and mat towel, and I need to keep my skin moist.  I ripped the skin pretty good tonight on the bottom of my big toe.  With the amount of times I did Chaturanga-Upward Dog-Downward Dog...AND holding feet wrong...I am not shocked I had a problem.  My fellow yogis on Twitter have been so helpful, which I appreciate more then I can say!!!

One thing I need to work on, keep my feet moist.  So I will put lotion on them every evening and invest in a pumice stone, or that egg thing that takes off dry skin.

Second, I need to continue building on my core strength, just keep improving on the Boat pose. Since the core is the main area that should be strong, when going into a yoga pose.

Third, Nancy from Flying Yogini helped me with my form.  I am one that wants instant gratification, but with yoga that WILL not happen.  So Nancy and talked about how I should hold my legs, and feet in Chaturanga, while I build my core strength better.

I am still working on my patience, AND it has only been three months.  So patience-core-form-and taking care of my skin, those are the areas I need to focus on.

Will I be doing Ashtanga again? Oh heck ya!!!!! That was soooo fun, and my body feels it today, and it feels AMAZING:-)

Now to experience hot yoga, I keep telling Charmedchubey I will be trying it:-)

Namaste
Terra

My new handmade yoga apparel!

I am sooooo excited to share my very first piece of yoga apparel.  Yes, yes, I don't really have yoga clothes, tank and comfy pants do just fine.  BUT I do understand why ya'll love the wonderful yoga apparel now, it really is lightweight. 

 (The beautiful package, I want those green pants now)

I entered a giveaway that the Flying Yogini was hosting a few weeks back.  She was giving away a beautiful yoga shirt handmade by Mishogawear.  When I won, I was actually shocked, I don't usually win much.  Mish was so wonderful, and she specially designed the shirt for me.  I love ocean blue!  When I meditate, I visualize the ocean, it always calms me.   She was so sweet, and kind!  AND did such a beautiful job!

If you have not been to her site, I highly recommend looking at it.  I am making a list of all the beautiful clothes I want now.  There is a shirt with Ganesh, I NEED THAT!

 ~So Beautiful~

Even Tuki loves the shirt, but duh, who wouldn't right? 

 ~Tuki usually has to approve things~

I seriously need to start a fun yoga apparel collection now....this could be dangerous....VERY dangerous:-)

~Thank you Mish~

I am looking forward to journaling a lot this month, and maybe I will have some fun new yoga pose pics to share.

OM Shanti Shanti Shanti
Namaste
Terra

Bringing Together One-ness

I still need to figure out how to make sure I fit in yoga & meditation everyday.  I am so thankful to have found this amazing yoga community, you all are so inspiring. 

This month I will be sharing my yoga and meditation experiences, good or bad.  I also decided to commit to the Lululemon Commit30.  The Commit30 I chose was 30 days of meditation for 10-30 minutes.

Here is a bad report, but will become positive when I finish telling you about it....

The Bad (kinda):
I only did yoga once this week, and only ten minutes of meditation once.That makes me sad:(  BUT I do break-out in an asana everyday, my favorite lately is the Dancer's pose (Natarajasana)!!

The Positive:
My in-laws came to visit last Friday, to Tuesday....THEN my Grandparents, Aunt, Uncle, came to visit Thursday and Friday.  Whew, busy week, and full of family love!!!!

So tomorrow I will start off this month right with an hour and half of Shiva Rea. AND some wonderful, peaceful meditation:-)

I look forward to catching up on all the wonderful YIOM blogs.

I may send a daily blog through my phone somedays, just depends on where I am at that day:-)

Namaste,
Terra

Breathe-Calm-Tell Dog to be Quiet-Breathe-Calm.......

All of my animals have always looked so relaxed, even down to my sweet little guinea pig Zeppo.  I try to figure out how they do it, how they can go into complete relaxation so easily.  I am going to guess it could be because they have less worry, and more time to play.

After almost three months of working on meditation, and some frustration during the process.  I had a break through today, I did!!  This is probably the silliest thing to discover, but the best thing.

So this week I decided to try a Shiva Rea yoga DVD from Netflix.  I wasn't for sure if I was ready for the yoga workout, but I need to give myself more credit.  I had a fantastic workout, and now feel amazing.  This week I was able to do plow (Hala-asana) and headstand (Salamba Sirsasana,) the King and Queen of asanas.  Yep, almost three months, and I am able to do the two big yoga poses, YAY ME!!!  I even held the Salamba Sirasana for 60 seconds. 

At the end of the Shiva Rea workout I did, she had us do several minutes of meditation.  Well between yelling at my dog for barking, and making sure my legs were not falling asleep.....I did it, I actually went into complete relaxation.  I had a visual, and felt so peaceful, and all the extra thoughts just passed by. 

So whenever I meditate, I end up meditating in a quiet space, no music.  I really struggled with the silence, but kept trying to find that happy place.  Well guess what?  Today on the DVD, there was some of the most relaxing, beautiful music being played.  AND with the music, I successfully went into a complete relaxed state.  YES!!! I am sooooo happy!!

There is a beautiful website called Spirit Voyage, they have amazing music on their site.  On Fridays they have free music downloads.  So I will be working on making a mix of music, and enjoying some lovely chants, while working on the most amazing form of relaxation.

OM Shanti Shanti Shanti

Namaste
Terra

"Ganpathi Gayatri" {A mantra for success in achieving goals}

This last week has been a wonderful seven days! I started off feeling really sad, emotional, all that blah, blah stuff. Then I read a quote that was in a link shared by 365meditation, and that all changed.  See, you have to understand, I live my life always being positive.  People will even point out what a positive person I am, and are always shocked to discover I have weeks where I can be in a funk.  Yes, it really is possible, but I don't let my funk last for that long, that is for sure.  Here is the quote:

"If we are peaceful, if we are happy, we can smile and blossom like a flower, and everyone in our family, our entire society, will benefit from our peace." ~Thich Nhat Hanh 

I love spending time with friends, and what better way than outside in the beautiful sunlight.  And hey, why not practice Nataraja (Dancer's pose.) 

So with all my positive juices flowing, I wanted to enjoy every moment.  I decided to try out a couple new yoga classes at a new studio, Arrichion Studio.  The one was a little too much for me, but the second one was fantastic!  It was a continuous vinyasa flow, with challenging poses.  I still cannot do the crow pose, but I will sooo get there someday.  I really try to incorporate yoga daily to help me conquer my day!  I am however very excited to report that my balance is so much better....AND that I was able to finally do Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose.)  What a lovely feeling to have when you can successfully do the pose, AND without falling, bonus!!!

I read all my fellow yogi's blogs, I also love reading many other yoga related sites, especially Elephant Journal.  I have learned so much, and grown from all the help shared on blogs, and websites.  Elephant Journal had a great article that really made me think, which could be scary, LOL!!! It was about a woman who took 13 years to learn the crow pose, but because she did not have a lot of guidance in the beginning.  13 YEARS, Holy Cats!!! Please, Please, don't let it take me 13 years, I really am impatient, and that is way too long! 

I also read TheDailyDownwarddog blog about Ganesha, the Hindu God of wisdom.

Source: Vani's Musings

 Reading TheDailyDownwardDog's blog really made me stop and think about a lot of thoughts I have been having.  

1. I want to achieve the crow pose now.

2. I want to be as good as all the other yogis around me.

3. I want to be able to meditate after yoga without any chatter present.

4. I am sure I have another one.............BUT

I realized with this blog, I need to stop "Breathe, Exhale", and stop saying, "I want, I want, I want."  Instead what I need to do is just enjoy the ride, every step of the way.  Especially because, whenever I achieve something new with yoga, I am sooooo excited!!! 

Thank you to all my fellow yogis, you know who you are!!!  I am going to go into month three of this beautiful journey with lots of wonderful, positive thoughts, and new outlooks!  

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

Namaste

Terra 

It is all in the form!

It has been officially two months since I decided to start enjoying yoga again.  Two months, crazy how time flies when you are having fun.  AND for this journey, boy am I having fun.  I can not explain to you how happy yoga makes me feel.

I was a runner for several years, loved loved running, even ran a half marathon.  However, as much as I loved the sport, it truly messed up my feet and knees.  So it was time to find a workout that made me as happy as running.  It has seemed like FOREVER, but I am finally back at my happy place.  Now time to explore all I can about yoga, and enjoy every aspect of this beautiful sport.

 I do not know what pose I am supposed to be in here, our teacher had us doing some hard poses. 

I Enjoy a lot of yoga workouts at home,  sometimes it just works with my schedule.  I do enjoy going to different studios with friends, it is a wonderful way to socialize. About a week ago I went to a yoga class outside with the Charlotte Yoga Club.  WOW, that was so fun!!!

I don't have one specific studio yet that I have to go to, I am just exploring different ones.  My next type of yoga to try out is hot yoga, I hear positive and negative reviews so we will see.

I know how important it is to get the form correct on each pose. Which is why I really pay attention to how I position myself in each pose.  I even ask questions in class to make sure I am doing the pose right.  So for the last week I have been frustrated with what I call a "catch" in my shoulder blade.  I finally decided to ask my friend Nancy from Flying Yogini, from  the wonderful 365yoga community on twitter. 

Well I discovered why I had a catch, and what I need to be doing to help it.  She sent me a video to even help me see what she was discussing with me.  Guess what I was forgetting?????  WELLLL...I was adding in five Sun Salutations and practicing the Crow pose, with the normal workout.  BUT after the Sun Salutations I never went into Child's pose or Thread the Needle pose, to stretch out those muscles.  Silly me!!!! I know how important stretching is, so really what was I thinking? 

Here it a helpful video of the Thread the Needle Pose

Thread the Needle Yoga Pose: Side 1 -- powered by eHow.com

So from now on I will make sure to stretch, but I am also going to put off doing the Plank during the Sun Salutations until I go to a studio.  I want to check my form, I might be bringing my self down wrong, and that could be hurting my shoulder blade....

 So if you are new to yoga, be sure to get help with your poses.  In running I was used to muscle pain, and lots of it especially in the beginning.  With yoga you should NOT have continuous pain, and silly "Catches" in your shoulder blades. 

I love finding new yogi's, and their amazing blogs!  Go check out Flying Yogini, she is sharing her 365 days of yoga journey.  Nancy really is so inspiring!

Shanti Shanti Shanti
Namaste,
Terra

Letting Go of the Chatter!

"What might be right for you, may not be right for some." That was taken from the opening song of the show Different Strokes.  Do you remember that show?  The line is perfect, especially for those practicing yoga and meditation.

This year was the start of a new journey for me, time to make some healthy changes in my life.  After a ten-year hiatus from yoga, well it was time to try it out again.  The hard core workouts were not working with my body, and were making me completely unhappy.  So it was time to dust off a beginner yoga DVD by Kathy Smith, that has been on my shelf for years.  Wow, that first workout changed me, I realized how happy it made me feel.  It also was a fantastic workout, and my body could feel it all over.  I decided I must be on to something here, and decided to find other lovers of yoga.  Since I am a Twitter addict, finding yoga lovers was not hard.  The people I have connected with have some amazing tips to share, along with beautiful blogs to read.  I have learned so much on this first part of my journey.

To me yoga and meditation are like two peas in a pod.  Seriously, if you are interested in finding ways to de-stress, or take a deep breath from your busy day, they will help you more then you could imagine.   I have a friend who has been practicing meditation for several years.  I decided to go to him for guidance about approaching meditation for the first time.  I decided to try meditation actually before I decided to dust off my yoga DVDs.

Why did I decide to try meditation?  Well because I have way to much extra chatter in my head.  My mind is always thinking, my husband will tell me I even over-think on things.  I am a high stress person, and a huge worry-wart.  Seriously, I worry about everything, like right now I am worrying about if you will like my new blog.  Welcome to my crazy brain!  Jason let me know the process of meditation does not happen over night, so be patient.  

For me meditation is not a religious thing, it is solely to help me de-stress.  I want to use meditation and yoga to help me in my day to day life, but most importantly to help strengthen my relationship with my husband.  I am not perfect, well I am definitely far away from perfect, but moving closer in the last 17 years with my husband.  However, I still have areas I would love to improve to help make our marriage stronger.

So I am in my sixth week of my journey, and can honestly say I have found more areas to help me improve.

My goal for this year: 
1. Meditate for longer than 15 minutes with out losing focus
2. Continue building on my ability to do yoga
3. Try different types of yoga (Jason definitely said I should try Bikram, so I will be doing that soon!)
4. Work on having patience ( I have none...)
5. Work on not being afraid to admit when I am wrong, and don't be afraid to say I am sorry (For my Marriage)

I look forward to sharing my journey with you, and any tips, advice you have please share!
Namaste,
Terra