Meditating with Mala Beads

Some of you are probably thinking, “What on earth is a Mala?” Well, similar to the Holy Rosary, a Mala is a string of beads. Think of it as a Buddhist Rosary. Typically these beads are used to count mantras; or Sanskrit prayers in sets of 108 repetitions. However, you can also find them in numbers that divide into 108 evenly like; 18, 27 or 54. Use of a smaller amount of beads usually leads to a bracelet of some sort or a shorter necklace if using bigger beads.

Why 108?

The reasons for 108 puzzle just about anyone I meet. There are many many reasons for the meaning of 108 beads on a Mala. Here are a few as defined by Swami Jnaneshvara Bharati;

Heart Chakra: The chakras are the intersections of energy lines, and there are said to be a total of 108 energy lines converging to form the heart chakra. One of them, sushumna leads to the crown chakra, and is said to be the path to Self-realization.

Sanskrit alphabet: There are 54 letters in the Sanskrit alphabet. Each has masculine and feminine, shiva and shakti. 54 times 2 is 108.

Pranayama: If one is able to be so calm in meditation as to have only 108 breaths in a day, enlightenment will come.

Pentagon: The angle formed by two adjacent lines in a pentagon equals 108 degrees.

Time: Some say there are 108 feelings, with 36 related to the past, 36 related to the present, and 36 related to the future.

Astrology: There are 12 constellations, and 9 arc segments called namshas or chandrakalas. 9 times 12 equals 108. Chandra is moon, and kalas are the divisions within a whole.

Planets and Houses: In astrology, there are 12 houses and 9 planets. 12 times 9 equals 108.

Goddess names: There are said to be 108 Indian goddess names.

Sun and Earth: The diameter of the Sun is 108 times the diameter of the Earth. The distance from the Sun to the Earth is 108 times the diameter of the Sun.

Moon and Earth: The average distance of the Moon from the Earth is 108 times the diameter of the Moon.

Paths to God: Some suggest that there are 108 paths to God.

Seriously, these are just a few. Regardless of the meaning, the importance of the beads is to count *mantras (*(originally in Hinduism and Buddhism) a word or sound repeated to aid concentration in meditation; typically given to you by a teacher or chosen by yourself.) with devotion, feeling and your utmost full attention.

The hardest part is choosing a Mala for your own personal practice. Many yoga studios will sell these, but you can also find them at places like Crystal Life Technology in Geneva, Illinois or Beadniks, Chicago. At Beadniks, you can actually sign up to make your own Mala. (You can find my experience on Mala making here).

You want to choose a mala that best suits your needs and style. The best advice I can give is to feel the beads in your hand. Close your eyes, and feel the energy of the beads. Go with what appeals most to you.

You also have the option of looking through Pinterest for Mala ideas as well as Googling the meanings of the various beads and materials. By doing this, you can use your intention of your yoga practice to pick the perfect mala for you.

As far as price, it truly depends on what you’re looking for. The type of material generally decides the cost of the Mala. I would say in general, expect to pay $35 + for your own Mala. Just because you’re making it yourself, doesn’t always mean it’s going to be cheap. The better quality of materials, the more expensive it gets. Sure, you can go to Hobby Lobby or Michael’s and use their coupons (I have). Starting out that’s a great option. But if you’re looking for something that’s going to last, it’s going to be an investment. Think between $70 and $200 easily.

Using a Mala is quite simple once you get the hang of it. You can use it in various ways of meditation, but the way I will break it down for you today depicts the old fashioned, sit down and meditate style.

1.    Find a comfortable space in your home or yoga practice area and come to a seat either in crossed leg position or any position that suits your comfort level. If you’ve got a bolster, sit on that.

2.    Close your eyes and begin to notice your natural breath.

3.    Now, bring awareness and attention into your breath and continue to breathe deeper and slower.

4.    Set your attention to your mantra or affirmation.

5.    Next, hold on to your mala beads by gently hanging the first mala bead on the middle or ring finger of your right hand. If you’re left handed and this is more comfortable, use your left. (*In India, using the left hand is considered impure, but from a more Westernized perspective, either hand is okay.)

6.    Place your thumb on the guru bead and begin reciting your manta. Each time pushing the mala bead away with the thumb and moving onto the next bead.

For mantra ideas, start here. It doesn’t have to be something in Sanskrit though. Even the simplest thing such as; “I am filled with love and kindness” can be your mantra for mediating with your mala. (Whew! Say that 5 times fast lol)

Don’t have a Mala? That’s alright! Try using a mantra and repeating it 108 (or a smaller amount of times that divides evenly into 108)

Mindful March Collaborators: Meet Ganesha Yoga Chicago + Giveaway (closed)

To understand what Ganesha is all about, you have to go back to the summer of 2008. Mindy wanted to become more active–a lonely task and difficult to stick to without support—and this was just the impetus that Jane needed to get back to some semblance of the person who long ago had run the Chicago Marathon. Holding each other accountable and laughing a whole lot along the way, they ran, rowed, and swam, but most importantly, they got back to yoga which they had both practiced intermittently since 2000. And the more they practiced yoga, the more they became believers in yoga’s ability to serve all people.

At Ganesha, both Mindy and Jane are in the 'business' of helping you find your yoga groove. They specialize in yoga for beginners, teaching vinyasa classes at a manageable pace and helping students challenge themselves without pushing to injury and frustration.

Ganesha is a laid back community where people know your name, you're encouraged to explore, and you'll never feel intimidated. Specialty classes include Ganesha Plus (for people carrying extra weight or who want a gentler class), Stiff Guy Yoga (sequenced for men, taught by men, geared towards gaining flexibility and balance), Ganesha Rx (a therapy class that improves range of motion and heals injuries), and Gentle Chair Yoga. 

They also offer workshops for students and trainings for teachers that delve deeper into adaptive yoga, yoga therapy and pose modification.

Additionally, they also offer private yoga sessions for both personal practice and yoga therapy.

Jane; pictured above in a photo taken while in Dhaka, Bangladesh

In 2012 Jane Rossi Musgrave completed her 200 hour certification with Suddha Weixler of the Chicago Yoga Center. She is also certified to teach HeavyWeight Yoga, and has completed a 300 hour certification in yoga therapy with Joseph Le Page’s Integrative Yoga Therapy. She plans to start the full 800 hour training in the fall, as soon as she is done with her Masters in Human Nutrition from Eastern Michigan University.

Mindy Hanzlik is an E-RYT 500 Yoga Therapist who specializes in helping people who are sure they don't have a body built for yoga begin and grow their yoga practice. She believes there's no challenge that can't be beaten, no obstacle that can't be overcome, and if you apply yourself, not only will you succeed, but you can have a great time doing so.

Mindy; pictured above in a photo taken while at the beach in Sawyer, Michigan

As a teacher, her focus is on "plus size" yoga, and she is certified in HeavyWeight Yoga, Curvy Yoga and Big Yoga, with training in Somatics, Chair Yoga and Yoga for Osteopenia and Osteoporosis. She completed my E-RYT 500 Yoga Therapist certification through Integrative Yoga Therapy, and is currently pursuing her 800-hr certification, as well.

You can read more information about the wonderful power ladies behind Ganesha Yoga & Adventures in Fitness here.

Additionally, you can also find them on Facebook & Instagram by following the links below.

Each week Jane & Mindy will be sharing content they've created in Mudra Mondays where each week we will explore a new, mindful Mudra to practice.

To help you along in the process, they've so graciously offered to giveaway a copy of Mudras for Healing and Transformation Flash Card Set.

You may enter the giveaway below using the Rafflecopter prompt.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Dear Future Student,

My goal in this yoga world has always been to be the stepping stone. 

A stepping stone for the one who says "I can't ever do yoga" or a stepping stone for the one who simply needs an hour of stillness. 

Yeah, I'm going to push you, but not in only physical ways. Sure some of the poses we will do may be challenging. But I’ll tell you, THE most challenging thing you can do is be on YOUR mat. In your own body and in your own mind. 

Everything; EVERYTHING in life stops us from tuning into ourselves even the slightest bit. 

So yeah. It's probably going to suck that I'm asking you to be still. To control your movement by using your breath of which you're also controlling. 

It'sp r o b a b l y going to suck that I'm explaining the pose, walking you through it a couple of times and then there is silence.

You're probably going to want me to talk.

To fill in the void. 

But guess what? 

This is where YOU come in. If you can't be okay with the silence, THAT'S where I need YOU work.

It isn’t that I’m not leading you. I'm watching. Of course, I'm going to make sure you aren't struggling. I'll even chime in to remind you to focus on your breathing and to make sure you aren't holding your breath. I’ll even step in sometimes and tell you where to focus your breath or your energy.

I'm going to throw things out like ‘Hinge’ pose, where I'm asking you to truly think about which body part is moving and when. This pose is great for your hamstrings, glutes and core. But do you know what's getting more of a workout? Your mind! 

You have to remember to inhale and raise your arm, to exhale and lower it at the same time you raise your leg, to inhale again and lower your leg and raise your arm up above your head. Then after all of that, you have to remember to stop. That on that next exhale you're only lowering your arm before you begin this whole entire sequence of movement again. 

Sure. Those muscles you're working are getting a great workout. 

But your mind… That's what’s getting the brunt of it. 

It's okay that you don't like slow yoga. 

It's also okay if you want a faster pace. 

That means you've progressed past the point of my instruction. That means it's time to push yourself more to experience the benefits of other styles and postures in yoga. To see what else there is that you like and don't like.

It could also mean that while you've mastered the types of poses I'm cueing, you haven't yet been able to in tune to your body. And although you can complete an entire Vinyasa flow sequence easily (which I commend you for), you may also need more work on slowing down and getting in tune with your body!

Please know though, in no way, shape or form did you just waste your time;  For one, you learned something about yourself. You learned what you like – and what you don’t. You even spoke up and said what you preferred! That’s amazing! Do you know how many people keep silent on that kind of stuff?

You should also know that you didn’t waste my time either. That last hour we just spent together is so valuable to me. I’ll use it to better my teaching in the weeks, months and years to come. I’ll make changes and tweak things we did. I’ll even pull things that I really liked from our time together and bring them into a future class of mine.

In that short amount of time we spent together; we both learned things! Seriously, how rare is that? How amazing is it you can leave a situation having bettered yourself, and the person you just experienced it with?

Just remember, in the midst of all the chaos, to always check back with yourself. To give your mind that work out again, and to take the time your body so desperately needs in order you to listen to yourself. 

hello, hello!

To sign-up for Mindful March go to; www.savvyserenityyoga.com/mindfulmarch (or click the picture above)

Wow you guys... It's GORGEOUS outside today! This very spring like Mid-February day is making me ache for long summer nights of bonfires, grilling and friends.

I realize I've sort of been MIA here for a while now. I've got some pretty amazing things planned coming up this March and I've been using my spare time to edit the content for that! If you haven't seen my promos yet for Mindful March (and how have you not lol) I am offering you all a month of mindfulness; all online and all completely f r e e! I'm working with some pretty amazing ladies in the area (and not) to deliver you all Mindful content for the ENTIRE month of March. That's right. EVERY day in March I will have some sort of content whether that's here on the blog or on my Facebook page! So please, go sign up if you haven't already!

So what else has been going on? Well, you've probably noticed my Curvy Yoga class moving throughout the week. I've finally found a way to make it work! Beginning in March I will be offering it as a 6-week series. I've gotten a great response so far and I am so excited to be able to share my Mindful March content with them too. Writing content that than correlate my online stuff to my in class stuff has been challenging. But I just know it will be worth all of my efforts; and then some.

My park district series is going GREAT! I have met some pretty amazing ladies through this class and it is an honor to be able to teach them. I really feel myself coming into this teaching gig. Don't get me wrong though. Sometimes I'll catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror as I am teaching and think, "Who is she?" and have this total out of body experience. A year ago I never dreamed I would be here doing this. Six months ago I never would have dreamed I would be teaching with no book... and no "read these as you teach" cues. Yeah, I still need a sequence. Sometimes I'll write how I want to say it. But the majority of it has been stick figures or pose names and me being IN class and not on the paper. (Mindy and Jane were totally right... IT DID COME TO ME! haha)

So that's the yoga stuff.

I feel closer than ever to Eric right now. Marriage is hard work! But it's worth it. We are taking 2016 to get back on track and back to fixing/sprucing up our home. We had a leak in our kitchen which has caused us to have to re-do our flooring. So, this is the next major project.

We've had never ending car issues it seems (both mechanic wise AND my car being hit in the parking lot at work). We've finally worked through that. Next and hopefully last thing on our list is to have the bumper repaired from the damage caused by someone hitting it while it was parked.

Our pups are doing great. I know I promised I would blog about Cooper. It's just been so hectic I never truly have time to sit down and write about it all.

In December, the weekend of his first birthday, something spooked Cooper in the yard and he took off. He was missing almost 3 days in the cold. When we found him he was hurt. He had been hit by a car. He's had several x-rays and a surgery to repair his broken leg as well as a skin scraping to re-grow the dead tissue on his belly and is finally now back to the spunky little puppy we once knew. Perhaps even spunkier; if that's even possible. We're glad to have him back! He definitely completes our little family.

So yeah. It's really just been us rolling with the punches of life and me getting used to becoming a yoga instructor. 

After March, I definitely plan on getting back into a regular schedule. I'm still working out the kinks in that. It will all come together though, I have no doubt about that.

I hope you all are having a wonderful start to your year.

We'll chat soon!

PS. Have you heard the 'new' Mumford & Sons? Ok, it's not new... It came out in 2009... But holy cow! I heard a song last night at yoga and I've been in love ever since. I am working diligently into incorporating their album into my yoga. I'm loving the songs but more importantly the words of those songs. 'Sigh No More', 'Awake My Soul' and 'After the Storm' have been on repeat since last night's yoga class.

Holiday Gift Guide

And just like that, it's December 1st! Can you believe it? Time literally flies by! It's insane! I know I say that all the time. But I truly don't know how to make it slow down!

I thought it might be fun to compile all of my favorites into a blog post. (Not that you're looking to buy for me; and in that case, I would have most likely included things that I didn't already have LOL) But things that I've come to love as I have dove deeper into the yoga world. Hugger Mugger is truly becoming one of my favorite brands! Specifically for their patterns. They have such fun beautiful patterns in just about everything. Having pretty things motivates me to practice more! So... If you're looking for the perfect gift (or gifts) for the yogi in your life, look no further!

one - Hugger Mugger Batik mat bag  $34.95; I may or may not already have this. (actually, I do) Hugger Mugger has become my new favorite simply based off of their ADORABLE patterns. Seriously, I'm in love! This bag is perfect for carrying your yoga mat to and from class. I especially love the zipper compartments to carry things like my wallet, keys and or phone when I'm on the go because I HATE lugging around tons of bags!

two - Elisabeth Ashlie elastic ties  $4/3 hair ties; Although these aren't what she is known for, these ties are the cutest things ever! They won't cause damage to your hair like the normal ones do. In fact; I like a looser pony tail holder these days. These come in so many fun patterns; they're great! *also check out her jewelry while you're at it. She makes some spectacular things and she is local too! Right here in the Chicagoland area!

three - Hugger Mugger Cotton D-Ring Strap (10 in) $11.95; (typically on sale for $8.99); If you seriously loathe using the strap, or you get frustrated with how short they are you have g o t to try this 10-inch strap. Especially if you're curvy; you'll notice these longer straps working 10 times better for you.

four - Hibiscus Headband  (Beautiful Boundaries Etsy Shop) $8.40;  what yogi couldn't use a headband? This shop has the CUTEST ones I've seen in quite some time. The patterns are absolutely gorgeous and she has all kinds of various shapes and sizes! She recently had a by 2 get 1 free sale. If you happen to check her out while this sale is going on, I encourage you to take advantage of it! You won't be disappointed!

five - The Original Super Block $29.99; Get ready for a whole lotta block! This thing is freaking AMAZING! Seriously, I can't even describe it! You can use it for so many things other than just a block! I recently attended a hot yoga class where they did not have bolsters. Using two of these and a blanket, I created my own and made myself a thousand times more comfortable than I would have been with nothing. This is probably my favorite yoga prop at the moment!

six - The Yamas & Niyamas $8.00 - $15 respectively; THIS BOOK! This book will change your life! We read this in training, and while we went rather fast through it; it still changed my life! It will open you to your core and you will become so much more of a happier; more open person. I will warn you though; the process is lengthy and it sucks! It's raw and it's emotional, so be ready for that. I'm actually taking 2016 to restart the book, and complete each exercise in the book instead of one per chapter!

seven - Hugger Mugger Meditation Cushion (also available in patterned; because why not) $46.95 solid and $56.95 for patterned; meditation cushions are the new yoga mat! Have you not heard this yet? lol Seriously though, if I can't get in an asana practice, I will at least take the time to meditate. I can do this so much better with a pretty cushion! I'm a sucker for Hugger Mugger's patterns! (clearly) so while this is a little hefty on the price tag, I promise, it's totally worth it!

Graduation Weekend!

Yesterday was insanely busy... BUT, I've also been putting off writing this because that means it's done... My FINAL post in my "yoga teacher training" series. This weekend went by so fast! This entire time just flew by actually.

Friday we had our prenatal training. If I'm being honest, I feel like MY yoga teaching is pretty much a prenatal class now. All of the things I do are super gentle in that aspect. Some of it in fact is THE EXACT SAME THING.

After we had our graduation celebration at Jane's house. We had our spouses there and just celebrated being together one final weekend and all that we have accomplished. Jane & Steve's hospitality was spectacular! Their home really made Eric and I miss Nottingham! (Shocker, I know!)

I got to try my first Dinkel's cake too! 

Saturday we started the day with a much dreaded practice; Baptiste yoga. I knew it was going to be challenging and I knew it was going to be hot. I was truly afraid of it though. I wasn't the only one who was super vocal in the fact that I truly just did not want to go to this practice. That was reassuring, but I still wasn't sold.

We parked and walked to the studio and I thought... "Great... more walking - in the snow! UGH! Seriously?" Then, Mindy opened the door to s t a i r s. THREE flights of stairs to be exact... and I thought, "Are you effing kidding me? You want me to practice this God awful yoga class, and first I have to walk up ALL of these stairs?" Pretty sure I rolled my eyes, and continued on.

I walked in to the studio space and thought "Hmm. Well... The space is pretty. At least there's that" and proceeded to take off my shoes and fleece.

I filled out the wavier and got to the question that asked about medical conditions and physical limitations. I stared at it blankly for quite some time. All I thought was "What do I write? ... Well, I fell on my knee... That's certainly been a pain in the ass in my regular yoga classes. I guess write that it sometimes gets achy..."

Then I refocused on that word limitations... "What are my limitations? Well, clearly they weren't the half block and three flights of stairs I just climbed. I mean, I'm here aren't I?"

I glanced at Eb and then took my attention back down to the piece of paper. My focus solely on the word limitations at this point.

"Limitations? Clearly, you can see what I look like. I'm plus size. That's a limitation! Because I'm pretty sure I'm not going to be able to do half of what you want me to... So, what's my limitation?? I'm fat! That's my limitation... That can't be a limitation. You can't write 'fat' or 'plus size' there. That's stupid. Why would you write that?"

No sooner then I literally had this conversation in my head (and no, I swear I'm not crazy either lol) the words 'Plus Size' were scribbled on the page. Immediately I wished for white out. Did I really just talk about how achy my knee had been... and then proceed to classify the way my body looks IN THE SAME ANSWER? Yep, I sure did.

THAT'S NOT OKAY! My body is my body. I should not feel that as a limitation. I work around it. That's what I've been working so hard for... That's why I did ALL of this!

Regardless, I reluctantly handed in the form and went into the room to get set up.

My initial reaction; "Great... they don't have bolsters... So on top of me being uncomfortable and hot, I'm going to ache because I'm on the floor." The first thing I did when I walked in that BEAUTIFUL room was notice whether they had bolsters or not. Not the beautiful view. Not the huge half dollar size snowflakes falling from the skies. Not the tree limbs covered in thick sheets of snow... But bolsters? Really?!?

I went over to the wall, and noticed they had super size blocks.

This changed everything for me! I grabbed two, then I picked up a blanket, strap and two regular size blocks. I laid down my mat. and then put the two monster blocks together and laid the blanket over them.

MAGIC! I had a seat! I sat down.

When I finally got the nerve to get out of my head I realized, the view was GORGEOUS! The temperature? A mere 80-something degrees (it ended up getting to 93 during practice). It was pure heaven being warm and cozy in a shirt and leggings and seeing snow and frigid cold staring back at me through the windows.

We huddled first and talked fears. Throwing them out, and writing them down. Then we dedicated our practice to letting go of those fears and tuning into our own body.

Eb was AMAZING! Just spectacular.

By the end of practice I realized; I may not have been able to do everything or even what most of my classmates did. But I did what I could. I tuned into my body and did what it needed... You have no idea how amazing this feels unless you've done it for yourself. This is why I decided to become a teacher... THIS is what I want to share with the world.

I have to say - I learned more about myself on that mat and in that room in the 2 hours we were there than I ever expected.It was raw and it was beautiful. The things I thought I would hate - I LOVED! Had I not at least tried, I never would have known this. It made me realize that catering to my fears and then letting them win time and time again had me truly blocking out the joy in life by blocking out the pain. Never again will I let fear define or the choices I make! I am filled with an abundance of positive energy, and I will take that in all that I do going forward!

Fear is a NASTY thing! It swallows you whole, and takes charge! If I had given in... I never would have experienced what I did. Sure, I'm not proud of some of the things that happened. But, I learned from them. That's all I can ever ask from something like this.

After practice, we headed over to Native Foods for lunch. I wasn't as impressed as everyone else was with their nachos... But their Chili... YES!!!! So so good! I also managed to fall in love with Wicker Park too. (imagine that)

Later in the evening before we went home, we also had a few Puja ceremonial things... AKA "The Woo"

Here we wrote one thing we wanted to be rid of and to let go of and then lit it on fire and threw it in the bowl. Mine was fear... I know you're not supposed to talk about it after you burn it. Because at that point; it's done. BUT, I want to remind myself. I want to share this with people.

DO NOT LET FEAR DEFINE YOUR LIFE OR THE CHOICES YOU MAKE!

The roads Saturday night were awful! But, we made it home. At almost midnight, but nonetheless we made it!

Sunday we started at 9. We had a lot of little ends to tie in our classroom things. MY favorite part was definitely lunch at the diner, and our closing ceremony. Mindy made AWESOME yoga guy cookies!

There is no doubt, I am going to miss these girls something awful! I am so grateful for each and every one of them. They've changed me and I love them for that!

Here is my "Mishelle, go stand over here so I can see if the lighting is okay" pose. LOL

Slow down!

I keep saying "I just have to get through November" or "this sucks" in reference to missing Sundays... My husband... FALL... But in all honesty, I don't know what I'm going to do without these girls in my life every week!

As much as I say "I don't want to do this" pertaining to something challenging... I push myself through it, and I have these girls to witness it. As much as I say "Man, I really HATE being here for 12 hours EVERY Sunday"... I have these girls experiencing it right alongside me. So - yeah I want my Sundays back. But I wouldn't trade this for the world.

I've become one of those girls who can cry on the fly. That's teacher training. It's changing me. It's bringing things out that I buried deep inside and things I didn't know were there. We're sharing and we are changing and growing together just as much as we are separately. I find each one of these ladies SO inspiring! It's going to be hard when this comes to a close. So, I'm getting the tissues ready!

Friday night we went to Chicago Diner after training. I'm definitely looking forward to more outings like this! The best part was our dessert circle; 3 desserts constantly circling the table. :-)

Sunday morning we had a restorative training. If you didn't already know I was super into restorative yoga; my notes surely give me away! I found myself not wanting to do the poses (I've done all of them before) but taking notes frantically as Cindy spoke. I'm looking forward to a certification training from her next year!

Officially, I'm the cool kid storing her mat at her studio... (But more importantly, I got tired of lugging it back and forth all weekend lol)

Ganesha Plus Training... :-) *That's a thing now!

I was all cute and matchy matchy Sunday. bears sweater, headband, matching tank colors. I rocked it!! Then someone asked me who we played and I had no clue. (Turned out it was a Bye week!) lol My response was "I just wanted wear my new sweater and look cute!" lol Here's me Snap Chatting during lunch!

Sunday we also went over Business of Yoga. Which happened to be perfect for when I got home. I've yet to make my own official announcement; but those important to me know AND my husband sport of spilled the beans on Facebook. I love his love and support for me. It means the whole world to me!

I'll be making a more detailed announcement in coming weeks. But I'm proud to share that come December, I will be a part of the team at Focus Om (formerly A Journey Om) in Batavia. I will have 2 regular classes; True Beginners on Thursday mornings and Curvy Girl Yoga on Saturday mornings beginning the first week of December.

I've began to add these tabs under my Class Schedule here on the website. But, I'm sure you want more detailed info as to the cost, and whether you have to sign up before hand. So I will be sharing that information soon enough! Right now, I'm just designing my classes, getting my information ready for their website, and starting to market myself.

I still plan on having other locations that I will be teaching as "Savvy Serenity". More details on that will be coming soon! I'm also structuring those classes, securing locations and dates! I'm planning a small series of classes called "On The Mat" so look for that real soon! You can sign up for notifications on those classes here;

After what was THE MOST insanely A M A Z I N G weekend, I've been down for the count.
Friday morning a friend called me with last minute tickets to Zac Brown Band at Wrigley. OF COURSE I rearranged my entire schedule to go. It was the MOST amazing experience EVER! Seriously! We got SO close to the stage!

And que my new Zac Brown Band obsession! lol

Sunday was my 3rd weekend of training. That's the day my sickness first started. So, I didn't even have a solid plan as to recap the weekend here like I normally do. We had a late start - so that was awesome!

I was so overly tired that I completely fell asleep in Yoga Nidra. Like, more than once. I know I jolted like 3 or 4 times. I'm not sure how many times I snored, but at least once I was told LOL I was so tired! and I knew I was getting sick. I just felt off. So I'm not surprised. It was SO relaxing. Sometimes those are the best "naps".

After Yoga Nidra was lunch. It took me forever to get up though. Once I did, the room looked like a total "morning after the sleepover".

We also taught our 5-Pose sequences. Wasn't my best work! By that time I was exhausted, and feeling more miserable. I know I should have practiced more. But I didn't I'll definitely have to work on that for the next one. We teach a 10 Pose Sequence. I need to find my voice.... And I need to be better with things coming off the top of my head. I'm not good with that in real life - so it doesn't surprise me that this may be my biggest challenge!

A Day In The Life (2nd weekend of training)

Thought I'd do a little something different this time around... Here's how my day went for the most part. Times are probably off. Times are definitely off.. But you get the jist! This was a lot of fun to write this way! :-)

5 AM - Wake up call! It's 5 AM, on a S u n d a y! My alarm is going off and instantly I wished I had went to bed a little earlier the night before.

5:15 AM - Alright, fine! I'm up!

5:30 AM - FIFTEEN MINUTES HAVE PASSED???? CRAP! Time for a shower. Looks like the hair is going up today... OH! I'll wear that cute headband!

6:00 AM - Thank God Eric is taking me. I'll die if I have to drive myself. Wait...We need gas??? UGH! He's in the car already. I'll be right out!

6:01 AM - Shoving everything in a bag... (Seriously, Thank the lord Eric is driving me. If I have to lug this thing around for even 1 block, I'll literally cry!)

6:04 AM - CRAP! I forgot I went to Trader Joe's last night. YES, I'll have snacks today! "HOLD ON! I'LL BE RIGHT OUT!" Throw everything in lunch bag

6:07 AM - OUT THE DOOR!

YES! I'll sleep in the car on the way there.... Yeah; that didn't happen.

6:10 AM - Can we stop at McDonald's so I can get ice for my water?

6:13 AM - Pull into McDonald's.
          Eric: "What do you want?"
          Me: "A large ice water - extra ice!... Ooh! and a Blueberry muffin..."
          Eric: "A muffin? Really?"
          Me: "Yeah, nothing heavy! I'll be the girl in the corner with the smelly farts.. or worse!
                  in the bathroom! lol"
          Eric: "Okay.... Yeah Can I get a large ice water; extra ice, a blueberry muffin, and
                    a Steak, egg and cheese biscuit?"
          Me: (blank faced) "I want that..."
          Eric: "NO! You said you didn't want anything heavy!"
          Me: "I know.... But.. it sounds so good....."
(long pause)
          Me: "Well, can't I just lick it?"
          Eric: (Laughing hysterically) "OMG, Really? NO!"

6:17 AM - I take the smallest bite of Eric's Steak, Egg & Cheese Biscuit. It's literally the best thing I've tasted - EVER! (Well, it feels like it). I literally chewed it for like 5 minutes lol

6:20 AM - stop for gas at Meijer

6:27 AM ON THE TOLLWAY!

I'd really like to sleep now, and I'm trying.. But, there's this thing on my shoulder...

7:20 AM - ARRIVED AT THE NEW STUDIO!

OH MY GOSH! This space is SO freaking cute!!!!!!

7:30 AM - Guess I better set up my space...

7:35 AM - Practice begins!

Que Mishelle feeling nauseous and like the room is spinning.

8:00 AM - PLEASE SAY PREPARE FOR SAVASANA

8:01 AM - PLEASE SAY PREPARE FOR SAVASANA

8:02 AM - PLEASE SAY PREPARE FOR SAVASANA

8:03 AM - PLEASE SAY PREPARE FOR SAVASANA

8:04 AM - PLEASE SAY PREPARE FOR SAVASANA

8:05 AM - PLEASE SAY PREPARE FOR SAVASANA

8:06 - 8:16 AM - PLEASE SAY PREPARE FOR SAVASANA

8:20 AM - OH. MY. GOD. PLEASE SAY PREPARE FOR SAVASANA.... I'm going to die!

8:23 AM - YES! SAVASANA!

BREAK TIME! Time to break out the Excedrin Migraine. *remember to ask if forward folds normally make people want to throw up and die... literally die on their yoga mat!

9:00 AM - That banana in the cooler is MINE!!!!

9:01 AM - Walk past Rachel as she is putting on her flannel. Date drops on floor at my feet.

9:02 AM - WHAT. THE. HECK. IS. THAT. OMG. What do I say? Seriously. It looks like a turd.
                 OMG! I almost stepped in it...

9:03 AM - Still staring at the proposed turd

9:03:30 AM - Rachel: "OH! My Date!"

9:04 AM - DATE!!!! She said date!!! It's a date... Not a turd! HOLY CRAP! (literally... LOL)

9:09 AM - Linda just walked in with coffee from Starbucks...

9:10 AM - Now I want Starbucks...

9:13 AM - walk to Starbucks

9:15 AM - Hey cute handlebar mustache guy! Oh, you're a flirt too.... Please break out the Pumpkin Spice Latte kit JUST FOR ME.

9:17 AM - FINE! I'll wait. Jeeze! Carmel Macchiato it is I guess..

9:18 AM - Handlebar Mustache Barista: "What's your name?
                Me: (OH-M-GEE! They write your name on the cups here!) Mishelle... BUT WITH AN
                       S, INSTEAD OF A C!
                Handlebar Mustache Barista: (smiles)
                Me: (Nearly faints... OMG! HE'S PERFECT!!!!)

9:20 AM - COFFEE IS READY! Oh look... He crossed off the wrong spelling and wrote it right... just for me... He knew!! He knew!

9:30 AM - get back for lecture time!

9:31 AM - Is it me? Why are my ears like icicles?

9:35 AM - No seriously.. I'm freezing! Am I getting sick?

9:37 AM - Linda, Rachel and Michelle are all cuddled under a blanket... I want a blanket! Maybe it isn't just me...

9:40 AM - Rachel gets up to put on a sweater. YES! It isn't me! It's cold! Like Antarctica cold in here! I'm getting another blanket!

time passes...

12:55 PM - HOLY CRAP! It's almost 1???? LUNCH! YES! Wait.. I forgot a fork. Didn't I?

12:58 PM - Pretty sure I forgot a fork!

1:00 PM - I forgot a fork!

2:00 PM - stuffed! still have a headache. I'll muster through it...

more time passes...

4:00 PM - WHERE IS THIS DAY GOING? Why is it going so fast?

4:05 PM - SNACK TIME! GO!

4:07 PM - hummus falls on the floor. "NOT THE HUMMUS!!!"

4:08 PM - OMG! Linda's chips are delicious!!!

time passes....

5:10 PM - OMG Suzie's sounds so good right now...

more time passes....

6:10 PM - Seriously though. Suzie's!

6:11 PM - Time for some Cat/Cow talk...

Seriously.. I must post this in the group... LOL! I really want to bust out with my Unicorn... I know.. I'm delirious. Control yourself Mishelle!

7:00 PM - I still want Suzie's. Dang me for only bringing a salad and fruit!

7:01 PM - VARK Test... hmm.. I scored pretty evenly. Go figure. But wait. I totally thought I was more of a visual learner than anything. No.. This is right... 

7:30 PM - TIME TO GO! I'm texting Eric I want Suzie's dangit!

7:45 PM - OMG! This is the greatest thing ever! EVER!

9:30 PM - Oh, we're home already???

TIME FOR BED!

Balanced Bliss Sequence

Words cannot begin to express how grateful I am to all of those who came to my class last night! Thank you all!

I tried like heck to make this available on Spotify, but I couldn't find a lot of the songs there. To be honest, I'm not the greatest with Spotify either. That's why I went with what I knew. But, both playlists are about an hour and twenty three minutes. The first playlist is what was started in class. After the reading, I switched to the second playlist.  If you remember or want a specific song, let me know and we can probably figure it out.

Here's a screen shot of my iTunes playlists in case you want to purchase any of those songs. (Photos show the order they were played; from left to right). I'll figure out this whole sharing thing sooner or later :-)

This was played through the actual yoga sequence

This was played after the reading. Towards the end of Enchanted Forest, I had begun to have you come back to 'reality'. We completed the end of the practice with Balance playing; which was also the song we started the practice with.

The reading was an excerpt from Melody Beattie's Journey to the Heart. If you'd like the exact reading, let me know!

You can find this book on Amazon.com which is where I got mine!

If you have any questions or want further explanation on any of the poses we did, please let me know! Simply fill in the information and click submit. Once I receive it, I will get back to you as soon as possible.

 

**Please note; due to me being in training the entire weekend of August 21-23rd; I may not be able to get to my email right away. Expect a response no later than Monday August 24th.

It was a pleasure having you in my first yoga class!