Everyone is a Winner....Especially.....

Grace from Front Porch Yoga!!!  Grace, you won the amazing little yoga book that could..."27 Things To Know About Yoga" by Victoria Klein. Congrats!!!!

Teachers Meeting, Cleaning and Zumba

Do you remember how when you were in school Teachers had meetings ALL the time, and dreaded them so bad (maybe it's just me since my mom was a teacher) ? Well, on Monday after a wonderful 1 hour Anusara -inspired class we had a great little Kula (community) meeting. It was so awesome to be included in this group of Anusara-inspirees, very cool to sit and chat about teaching in a non-pressured environment. We discussed pinnacle poses and how to wrap the class around it, what poses to add and to use to prep. I loved every minute of this "think tank" of yoga teachers and teacher wanna bees. I have never really had a chance to be part of a group outside of a teacher training or workshop so it was extra nice to just talk (and talk and talk...you know that about me;). I hated having to leave and can't wait for the next one! What better way to share info (we can't all do every workshop) and meet like-minded people. Ahhhhh.

Next up, Cleaning, and if you've ever read my blog before you know it is not one of my favorite things.  When my wonderful, angel-like friend Mia expressed interest in helping me I was skeptical of making someone else (outside the fam) help me with such a crappy task. After much tug-o-war ending in her enthusiasm and crazy talk about it being therapy for her, I finally gave in. Today was the day, and after being in my bathroom (which is TINY) for 3 hours I was in shock that she still had stuff to do. She was tooth brushing the grout on the floor and the walls. It has hit me how terrible of a cleaner that I am. Yes, I knew already, but didn't think it was THAT bad.  She proceeded to the main room, base-boards (they were white????)  floor and fan blades. Whoosh, that was just today. All I can think is that if it took so long to do the bathroom, the kitchen is going to take about 12 hours, cause you know how much I use that!! My job was to throw out/organize and really clean Van's room, which took me the whole time. I went out and did a drop off at the Goodwill and bought some organizers for his closet. All said and done, I feel amazing and can't wait to start tomorrow. I jokingly call this the Mia diet, non-stop cleaning (soooo tired). I hope you are all lucky enough to have a friend like Mia!!!!

Did my 2nd Zumba class the other night with 30 other ladies and LOVED it. I liked it the first time, but this was full of energy, the teacher truly LOVED to dance and the music was awesome. I highly recommend this form of fun workout! Felt like I was down at Carnival!!! Woot Woot.

Do you have a regular group or meet up with like-minded folks?? Are you cleaners or not so much? Have you found a form of exercise that is so much fun you forget about the work part??

My First Bikram Yoga Class (It's Hot)

This morning was the first in a series of 10 Bikram yoga classes for me.  I have done hot yoga in the past and always loved it (the heat mostly) and was excited when this 10 classes for $35 deal came out on http://www.groupon.com/ (they also do a new student 7 classes for $25). I think the thing that has always kept me away from Bikram yoga is that I don't enjoy doing the same thing over and over. I mean the SAME exact poses in the same order every time you go. Just reminds me of one of those choreographed gym yoga classes that don't vary. 

I feel very split in two about how to go about reviewing the class. Half of me loved it, from a workout perspective, it just doesn't get any better than that. The other half, the yoga teacher part of me just finds a little lacking in the yoga department FOR ME (so if you love it, don't hate me).

Workout half of me thinks that I never feel better than ever after a great sweat session, and this is definitely that! I love the athleticism of the other students, I love the heat, I even like the poses and the sequence.  I also enjoy that Bikram yoga brings normally type-A peeps to yoga and keeps them occupied with it's consistency, predictability and competitiveness.

Yoga teacher half of me thinks that in a class like this there is so much competitiveness with each other (you tube it if you don't believe me) and with the self, it is hard to be quiet and in the moment. The thing I love so much about my style is that it is heart-opening, loving, freeing and there is a LOT of room to move, grow, create and just be with the self.  Which just that description alone would have my type-A friends running (love you guys). I love to vary my routines, tie in themes, and my life experiences as well as throwing in new and exciting poses, sequences etc. I also love a good savasana (corpse pose) and as there are tiny little ones in Bikram, and they encourage you to take your time getting up at the end of class, there was not much in the way of relaxation or meditation. But, and this is huge, at the end of class the teacher handed out a freezing cold wash cloth with mint oil on it. That alone is worth a trip back (see how easy I am?)!

So, as my series grows and I get more comfortable with it, I am very curious to see the changes that will take place.  Who knows, maybe my meditation (at home) will get stronger, maybe I will be a nicer driver and maybe, just maybe my arms won't be so flabby. I will post again after my 10th class and let you guys know how it goes. Wish me luck.

Have YOU ever done a Bikram Yoga Class? Thoughts?

A Weekend Workshop and The Next Phase of My Life (come give me some ideas PLEASE!)

I feel like I have been apologizing all Summer for not blogging enough for one reason or another.  My latest reason though, is because my computer has been funky and I have been scared to death that I was going to loose all of my pictures and music.

But, My honey finally went out and bought an external bla bla bla and backed everything up. So HOPEFULLY I am now back in business.

Yesterday, I attended 2 great "Playshops" with Anusara teacher Cat McCarthy at Spirit Moves.  Here is the description;

Life happens, and how we choose to coalesce with that flow all starts with our attitude. When we wade in the pool of our heart, it's easier to step into the fluidity of life.

Anusara Yoga is an elegant and transformational style of hatha yoga in which the artistic expression of the human heart blends harmoniously with the scientifc principles of body biomechanics.

This weekend workshop will provide a solid foundation upon which to playfully explore your yoga practice, combining skillful technique with an optimal outlook. In a potpourri of asana, Cat will guide us through Anusara's Universal Principles of Alignment to find more fluency of body, mind and spirit. 

 My friend and yoga Cohort from Anusara Immersion and Teacher Training, Shannon, just happened to show up and fill the space beside me!
 
Doesn't that sound lovely?? It was, and I left feeling so open and ready to be receptive to this new phase of my life. What new phase do you ask?? My kids, BOTH of my kids, START SCHOOL TOMORROW!!! Arg, what am I going to do with my life?? Well, that is what I have been asking myself all Summer, and been trying to ignore it.  Will get back to you on that...but, in the short term I plan to; A. Deep Clean my house B. Detox C. Hot yoga EVERY DAY D. Have some girl time not necessarily in that order. 


While just floating around the web today, don't forget to join my contest here, by commenting or following. It's a great book, and come on, all you have to do is leave me a little comment:)


And, if you have even more time, leave me a comment today and give some idea about what to do with myself after my kids go to school. What do ya'll do?? (if you answer work, yes, I know people do that, but ugh, be more creative...haha)


I will leave you with a wonderful yoga thought.  Anusara means to flow with grace, but literally translated it means Anu- individual and Sara- essence...so go out today and flow with your individual essence. Doesn't that sound nice, ride the flow of yourself (kinda like the lazy river, well, that's myself...what's yours?)

 

Book Review "27 Things To Know About Yoga"

I just finished the book "27 Things to Know About Yoga" by Victoria Klein, what a great little resource! It is a fast easy read, and a nice little book to compliment your collection. If you know NOTHING about yoga, this is a great step-by-step guide to everything you need to know, and fast.   If you know A LOT about yoga already it is a great book to carry around for little tidbits, and it is the perfect size to stick in your purse or mat bag.  It is part of the "Good things to Know" series that includes other titles such as "27 Things to Feng Shui Your Home", "12 Things to Do to Quit Smoking" and "21 Things to Create a Better Life' to name a few.

I am very impressed with the organization of this book and the amount of information packed in. I really don't think that Ms. Klein forgot anything. If you know someone that wants to get into yoga and just has no idea where to begin, this would be a great gift along with a mat.

Starting by defining yoga, then running through Sanskrit words, safety, supplies, manners, then moving into the 8 limbs of yoga (which is a nice reference for even seasoned yogis). The book ends with the benefits and reasons of savasana, and a great list of books to use to further your yoga knowledge. (With Dr. David Frawley  (read about my time with him here) at the top of the list!)

This is definitely not the only content in the book, just a sample for you to get an idea of the comprehensive-ness of it. The very best part is...I HAVE ONE TO GIVE AWAY! To win a copy for yourself,  3 WAYS...
1. COMMENT ON MY BLOG (one for each thing you do)
2. FOLLOW MY BLOG (IF YOU AREN'T YET!)
3. GO CHECK OUT VICTORIA KLEIN'S GREAT SITE HERE AND FOLLOW HER TOO!

I am going to open this one up until August the 29th at MIDNIGHT. So tell your friends...believe me, it's a great gift! I will  also be a stop on Ms. Klein's Blog Book tour soon, so watch out for that as well!

Vacation's Over...(come see the pics!)

With Van (notice all my sun gear:)

Just got home from a week over on Edisto Island (see last years pics here and here) and in need of a vacation from my vacation.

Boo! (my Mom)

                                                                        Edisto Marina

                                                My Brother "Uncle Choo", Van and Daddy A

Van and Baby

                  Our Transport for Next Year...

 

                                                                              Lily and Van

            The Angel Oak                    

The White building was at the Charleston Tea Plantation, and the Pomegranate was out at Rosebank Farms. What an amazing trip, and this is only half of it! Glad to be home though, and have some exciting posts coming up soon.