RAVE: Yoga Among Friends

For anyone who has been paying attention, it's no secret that I'm a big advocate of yoga. Not only is it great exercise and injury prevention, it's also good for the soul. Yoga helps me relax, it helps me stay sane.

You question that, just ask my fiance...he'll be the first to tell you that I'm much happier after a yoga class (and probably easier to live with in general when I'm practicing regularly).

After moving to Chicago, I was doing what I could to save my pennies, so I spent $10 on a couple yoga DVDs from Amazon in hopes of continuing my practice at home. Turns out, I'm not so good at 1) getting the motivation to take an hour out of my evening at home to pop in a yoga dvd, or 2) get my head into the practice with all the distractions that happen when you're at home.

I'm just the kind of girl who needs a peaceful space to get away from the cell phone and the ever-growing pile of laundry to really focus.

So, I decided to venture out and explore the world of yoga in the West Chicago suburbs. I had the intention of trying out a number of different studios before settling on one, since there seems to be an abundance within driving distance. But, after visiting just one, I think I might be hooked.

A couple weeks ago I headed to Yoga Among Friends in Downers Grove for my first yoga class in Chicagoland. I went to a level 1 vinyasa flow class because I wasn't entirely sure what level 1 meant in their terms, and since it'd been a few months since my last class, I wanted to ease into it.

Well, let me tell you, though it was a rather basic class, it was exactly what I needed. The class was a bit bare, mostly because it was during the holidays and everyone was too busy making and eating cookies to venture out, but with only a handful of people in the class, the instructor was able to provide plenty of 1 on 1 attention. It also was one of those classes that you could make into your own level of difficulty.

It was a 90 minute class that started with some inspiring thoughts to get your meditation juices flowing. We worked our way up from the floor and back down again. It was slow and basic, but still very challenging. I made a lot of mental realizations through this practice, let go of some things I'd been holding on to for far too long, and really got into the groove.

This is a class I've been thinking about ever since that first visit, and it makes me want to continue going back for more.

Beyond that, everyone there was very welcoming and friendly. Fellow classmates introduced themselves and instructors went out of their way to chat with me. I made it a point to mention that I have intentions of working toward my 200-hour certification and they all took an interest in that. HUGE bonus, as I've yet to find a studio that has been interested in that statement.

I'm excited to check out some of the other class options, as they have a wide variety for every yogi need and skill level. There's even a gentle asana/meditation class - that's a must visit in the coming weeks.

This is definitely a yoga studio that I would recommend to any of my friends. The name, Yoga Among Friends, speaks for itself. If you're in the Chicagoland area, be sure to check it out. You won't regret it.

Cheers!

-A

Reverb10 - Day 28, Achieve

Today's prompt is a good one, it's about something tangible, it's about seeing results.

I absolutely love learning, it allows me to find ways to make the things in life that I want to happen, happen.

So for 2010 being the year of learning, as noted on day 1, this prompt is perfect for 2011.

--------------------------

Day 28

December 28 – Achieve

What’s the thing you most want to achieve next year? How do you imagine you’ll feel when you get it? Free? Happy? Complete? Blissful? Write that feeling down. Then, brainstorm 10 things you can do, or 10 new thoughts you can think, in order to experience that feeling today.

There are lots of things I'd like to accomplish in 2011, but if I have to narrow it down, I'd have to say I want yoga to become a focal point in my life again.

I chose this achievement mostly because it's not too specific. Such, I'd love to get my 200 hour certification and start teaching, but there might be factors outside of my control, like time constraints, money, you name it.

I also think this goal encompasses more than just attending yoga classes. It's about spirit and taking care of myself and continuing that learning process in a more hands-on way. It's about taking care of myself and being better to my body and my mind. It's about doing something for me that will ultimately benefit those around me. Trust me, I'm a much happier person when I'm practicing regularly.

Plus, this can be a new challenge for me. Even though I've been practicing fairly regularly for the past 7 years, working toward certification means that I've really gotta learn how to stretch my practice, soak in everything that's going on, attend more power and Bikram classes...you get the idea.

So I guess, if I had to pick how it'd make me feel emotionally, I'd have to say peacefully happy. I know that's two emotions, but I can't just choose one.

Ten ways to get there now?

1) Start practicing today.

2) Read up on yoga practices every chance I get.

3) Try something new and challenging.

4) Focus on an area where I'm struggling, physically, to help me get through a spot I'm struggling emotionally.

5) Eat a healthy yoga diet.

6) Stretch.

7) Meditate.

8) Travel.

9) Drink enough water and get enough rest.

10) Channel negative energy into my writing; positive energy into the people around me.

I'm not really sure if I did that last part right...some of these prompts confuse me.

So tell me dear readers, what do you hope to achieve in 2011?

Cheers!

-A

Reverb10 - Day 12-13

It's almost half way through the month and I'm still going strong with this Reverb10 Challenge - though I do have to admit, I've been slacking on the Reviews as of late...sorry guys.

Today, I'm picking up where I left off and doing two days in 1. Enjoy!

---------------------------------------------

Day 12

December 12 – Body Integration This year, when did you feel the most integrated with your body? Did you have a moment where there wasn’t mind and body, but simply a cohesive YOU, alive and present? (Author: Patrick Reynolds)

I feel very lucky to be able to say that this is something that happens frequently in my life. I have two very special hobbies that allow me to just be...me.

The first is something that I'm sure won't shock anyone: skydiving. Once you exit that door at 14,000 feet and start plummeting to the Earth at over 120 mph, there's really no choice but to be one with mind and body.

And though it may not happen on every jump, when it does, a certain magic seems to happen.

Sometimes it's as if you're not trying at all, just thinking about what you want to do and it does. Those are the types of experiences you look at like, "whoa, the mind is a pretty powerful thing."

In the end, it was likely the hundreds of practice jumps that lead us to our ability to do these 'magical' things in the sky, but at the time, it seems almost spiritual.

The other times in my life where my mind and body are completely integrated is during yoga practice. This can sometimes be difficult, especially in challenging poses where your body is screaming at you and your mind is trying to stay at peace. But it's this practice that really melds your mind and body in one.

I can honestly say that at least 90% of the time, when shavasana comes around (the final pose for relaxation in yoga) my mind and my body are one. It's a beautiful thing.

---------------------------------------------

Day 13

December 13 – Action When it comes to aspirations, it’s not about ideas. It’s about making ideas happen. What’s your next step? (Author: Scott Belsky)

As I've said in nearly every post since day 1, 2010 has been the year of learning for me. Mostly I've learned about myself and the type of life I want to lead. I've learned what's important in life, like family and friends who really care, and having passion for life and learning when not to give up.

I certainly don't see this path of learning to just come to a screeching halt in 2011, but I do see more action taking place.

My next step then, I guess, is taking what life has shown me and making something of it. Building the life that I want in 2011. Getting rid of those things from Day 11 and starting out 2011 on a positive foot. If there's one thing that life has taught me this year, it's that happiness isn't something everyone is entitled to, it's something that you need to define for yourself, and make it happen. You have to work for it.

I guess maybe I should add a #12 to that list - sense of entitlement. I try my best not to fall into that trap that so many in my generation do, because I really do know that you have to work for those things you want in life, and just because I have a degree doesn't mean I'm going to get a corner office after 5 years at the company (not that I ever thought this, but I've seen attitudes from some that truly do have this sense of entitlement).

Anyhow, point is, 2011 is likely to be a year where I really start taking things into my own hands and making the changes I need to be happy with the life I'm leading. I sat back and let life show me the way this year, it's time for action now.

What changes do you want to see take place in 2011?

Cheers!

-A

Making YOURSELF the priority

I have this tendency at times to make everything in my life a priority with the exception of myself.

My career, my relationships, networking, blogging, skydiving...the list goes on.

What I find happens from time to time is that the world shows me that I need to focus on me - and it's usually not in the most pleasant way. These wake up calls typically involve sickness or some other setback that makes me realize I haven't been paying enough attention to my own well-being.

Though, this hasn't always been the case. Sure, in college, I tended to beat the hell out of myself, with drinking and staying up till all hours, but when I lived in Texas it was the complete opposite. After breaking my foot (the first time) I made sure to take vitamins, eat healthy, work out every day after work, attend 2 yoga classes a week, make time to watch my favorite TV show every Thursday, sneak out of the office once a day for a 10 minute walk in downtown Dallas to enjoy the sunshine, go for runs in the park on nice days, get regular massages, grab my camera for random photo shoots around the city...you get the idea.

I was in better shape and better health than I've ever been. But for the past few years, my hobbies and other responsibilities have taken over as priority, and I have taken a backseat.

This is NOT okay. I've been compromising my health, both mentally and physically for things that I thought mattered more.

A couple weeks ago I sat down and made appointments for the eye doctor, the dentist, the massage therapist, and even at my salon. I felt pretty good about that. But I quickly forgot about taking care of myself on a daily basis as well. Oops.

Well I'm making it a point to bring some focus back to me. After all, I can't be the best at the things that have become high priority in my life without being in good shape myself, right?

Now I certainly can't expect that I'll be able to do all those things I was once able to fit into my life in Dallas, after all, life has changed drastically since that time, my job doesn't allow for a 10 minute break most days, and I don't have cable so there will be no TV watching, but there's no reason why I can't find time to practice yoga once a week, or read a chapter in a good book every few days. And I have promised myself in the recent past that I'd get back on the horse when it comes to my photography, for which I haven't been doing a very good job.

As someone who truly believes that the most important relationship you have in this world is with YOURSELF you think I wouldn't need random, and sometimes scary, wake up calls to get me back on track. But then again, no one is perfect.

It's all in an effort to become a better person - for my relationships, for my hobbies, for my career, and most importantly, for myself.

I encourage you to do the same. Challenge yourself to take time every day to focus on yourself. You might be surprised just how much it helps your mental and physical state. I'm certainly looking forward to the rewards.

Cheers!

-A

A healthy start

All you resolutioners out there who have vowed to live a healthier 2010 would be proud of my efforts thus far.

The year started out not so great, eating pizza and Oreos on a regular basis, but after reading a few excerpts from this book I decided to get my act together.

I'm not one for gimmicky fad diets, they never work, but I like to read stuff like this and take bits and pieces and adapt them to my life to find what works best to keep me healthy - rather than "the quickest way to lose 10 lbs."

One of the things that the O2 diet mentions is putting lemon in your water for increased antioxidants. Since one of my goals is to drink more water, this has actually helped. I also brought in a fun glass from home that sits on my desk, taunting me to drink from it.

Not sure the glass actually helps, but I have been drinking significantly more agua than the previous couple weeks!

I've also added in foods I never thought of because of this book - like figs. And seriously, I can't believe I lived my life without them before. So scrumptious! Just add a couple dried figs to a pseudo-trail mix of heart-healthy nuts and dried fruit like cherries, cranberries and raisins and a handful of dark chocolate chips and you've got yourself a perfect treat.

In fact, I forgot this little concoction at home today and I'm bummin'.

I also decided to join a gym. Yep, the one that I ranted about a couple weeks back.

I know, I know...but one thing I pride myself on is giving people/companies a second chance. When I approached my contact there, he was friendly and accommodating. Needless to say, we worked something out and I am now a member.

So last night was my first workout experience. Compared to other health clubs I've visited, this one isn't nearly as crowded...huge bonus.

I hate people, after all - especially sweaty strangers.

I kid, I kid...kinda.

Last night was also my first yoga class at the gym. Surprisingly, it was exactly what I'd hoped it would be. A little loud for yoga, but it was power yoga at it's finest.

Sure, it's not a studio where you have a tailored class for your goals, a room heated to 85 degrees or peace and serenity, but it's also not costing me $13 a class. It gets the job done!

Needless to say, today I have a lovely soreness about me and I'm finding that my energy levels are up. I've even got ambition to head home after work today and tackle the chores that await. Laundry here I come!

So tell me dear readers, how are y'all doing on your resolutions?

Cheers!

-A

p.s., if you're interested in the skydiving world, be sure to head over to my other blog, Skydive Chick, to read and interview from THE skydiving photographer, Norman Kent. You won't be disappointed with this one.