Mindful March Collaborators: Meet Krissie!

Krissie Bentley (RYT 200, Curvy Yoga, Yoga for All) is a
non-practicing therapist turned yoga teacher and life coach. Krissie
completed her training through Curvy Yoga in Nashville, TN, directly
under Curvy Yoga founder, Anna Guest-Jelley. She has also received
“Yoga for All” certification through Dianne Bondy and Amber Karnes.
Krissie believes it is possible to create a world where we are at
peace with our bodies. With kindness, we can care for our bodies
through movement because we love them, not because we want to change
them. Krissie will help you find YOUR unique style of yoga that works
best for YOUR body. She is also available for coaching, private
sessions, and online classes.

You can learn more about Krissie and see her daily practice on her
various internet homes below;

or send Krissie an email at;
krissie.bentley@gmail.com

Self Care & Why It's Important

When I was younger, I always made time for me. This was probably because I had no real responsibilities. But I always had time to go get manicure or a pedicure, or to take a hot relaxing bath and make sure my legs were shaved, exfoliated and moisturized. I always had time to paint my nails or to spend the evening conditioning my hair and giving myself a pedicure.

Time like that is a rarity for me these days. If I’m not working, planning, teaching, cleaning or spending QT with my husband, pups and family, I’m sleeping. The older you get, the more hectic life becomes and the more important having some kind of self-care ritual becomes.

For me, in the midst of what already was chaos, I also am teaching yoga. I am teaching this powerful tool that inspires others and here I am sometimes finding myself uninspired. I am portraying that I totally have my shit together, when in all honesty, sometimes I’m just flying by the seat of my pants. Becoming a teacher was the best thing I could do. But is also takes time away from me. You learn to get your inspiration and “me time” in other ways and yet somehow it never feels like it's quite enough. Having a great mentor is one of the best things to help with this. However, I've also found taking the time for yourself; whether it’s setting a pamper night or signing up for a yoga class with your favorite instructor.

Now, don't get me wrong. I don't take what I do for granted OR wish I didn't do it. I absolutely LOVE what I do. In a way, the 'high' I get before and after teaching a class is part of my self care. It literally is the best feeling in the whole entire world that I am so grateful I get to experience.

My point is though; it's not just being a yoga teacher. Regardless of what you do professionally (but especially if you are in an industry where you take care of others) or what you do for a hobby,  You have GOT to do something to nurture yourself because the truth is – we can’t even begin to help people if we don’t help ourselves first.

Sure, this may sound selfish, but it’s the same reason the flight attendant instructs you to put on your oxygen mask before helping your neighbor with theirs.

How can we expect others to be able to drink from our cup if our cups aren’t full?

I won't lie to you. It's a hard thing to do! But it isn't impossible.

Today, make time for you. Set aside some time for yourself; even if it’s 5 minutes and do something for you.

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

Second Look: Manduka EKO SuperLite yoga mat

Last month I received an email letting me know of the add-ons for my monthly Birchbox subscription. Birchbox is a monthly subscription service that sends you 4-5 beauty products to test out monthly. You can review the product on their website for points that eventually equal to dollar amounts. (For every 100 points, you earn $10) You can also order products through their site and earn points to use on different products you are interested in trying or those that you love and want to repurchase again and again.

In my e-mail I was excited to see that not only was a yoga mat an add-on item, BUT it was a Manduka mat. I thought the price was pretty decent, and without overlook added it onto my January box. After ordering I checked over the reviews and I've come to realize that they are pretty much 50/50. So, I decided I would pass along my review if you're on the hunt for a new yoga mat and are looking at this one.

The Mat:

Manduka EKO SuperLite(TM)

The Claims:

"The eKO SuperLite Mat is a superior travel yoga mat that provides excellent grip. Wherever your practice takes you, the eKO SuperLite is the best yoga mat for yogis on the go!"

The Cost:

$32 as a Birchbox add on but you can expect to pay between $30 and $40 respectively depending upon location.

I actually tried this mat for the first time during a class I taught last night. The first thing I would say I noticed was how light the mat was. The better quality the mat, the heavier they seem to get. All through training I had (and still have) a Jade yoga mat; which I love. But lugging that thing around the city was such a pain in the butt. It was just heavy! I dreaded bringing it to class with me and ultimately ended up keeping it there at the studio for the duration of training. This mat was literally SUPER LIGHT! I think I caught myself thinking this quite a few times actually. Especially when I rolled it out to set up my area for teaching. It unrolled like a dream. For sure a win in my book!

Of course with the mat being literally weightless, you're going to lose out on thickness. This mat comes in at only 1.5mm thick. So, I guess this is where you could start with the pros and cons. Unless you prefer a pretty dense and squishy yoga mat, then this is perfect. Now that I've tried it, I almost think I prefer it to my thicker Jade mat. I get the same grip, and I like the firmness of the floor that you can feel through the mat. Which brings me to my next point; grip.

Typically until broken in, Manduka mats are somewhat slippery. While I did have socks on (hey, I was cold), I have to say, I didn't notice at any point where I felt I was slipping. Granted, my practices are usually more gentle and restoring. I think I will have to play with this and see what happens when I do more of a vigorous practice and also practice without socks. I feel like if you use a carpeted surface, you will probably prefer a thicker mat that will stay in place. But on a hard surface, this mat doesn't move much for me.

The thinness of this mat allows it to be rolled OR folded. This makes this mat to be the PERFECT travel mat because it can fold up to fit in your suitcase, carry-on or even purse (depending on your purse size, of course). The downside to this; this mat tends to have a memory of those folds. So, you'll likely permanently have them in your mat if you chose to store/transport it this way. But if that's not something you mind, and you're solely looking for a travel mat then I think you'll still be perfectly happy with it. For me, I'm just a little too OCD to have the folds permanently in my mat. So, I prefer to roll it.

Another downside you could say would be if you normally use a yoga mat bag. I just got this one here from Hugger Mugger and I absolutely LOVE IT. Expect to have TONS of room left over (which actually might be great because you can throw in a block (foam so it doesn't get too heavy), strap or an extra sweater/shirt to change into. You may actually not even need the yoga mat bag anymore. Which for me is sad, because I really love my bag.

All in all, for the price of the mat and durability I've experienced thus far, I have to say I'm super happy with this mat.

Be on the look out for this mat at a discount similar to what I paid for it through Birchbox at retailers like; Marshall's, TJ MAXX, Nordstrom Rack, etc. You can also order it here on Manduka's website at normal retail price ($40 + shipping).

*If you're interested in signing up for Birchbox and it's $10 monthly subscription that you can cancel at any time; please check out Birchbox's site and sign up here!

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Flash Forward:

• Beginning February 3rd, Curvy Yoga will now be held Wednesdays at FocusOm Batavia from 7:00 - 8:15pm. You can find this class on FocusOm's website under Yoga For The True Beginner if you'd like to pre-register.
  
  
• Beginning March 2nd, Curvy Yoga is changing to the format of a 6 week series. Here, we’ll meet you where you are on the mat and focus on helping you on your journey to happiness and well-being. Each week we will guide you through a practice with thoughtful instruction and support to help you reach your goals safely and most importantly; at your own pace. We’ll use physical movement along with guided meditation and some yoga philosophy to not only help you develop strength, balance and flexibility but also help reconnect the mind and body; all while within a fun, comfortable atmosphere. 

March's series will be surrounded by Mindfulness and will also be a part of my Mindful March event. (stay tuned for details on Mindful March)

Curvy Yoga will run from March 2nd to April 6th and will cost just $85. Register here!

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

taking a moment to clarify

Lucky you! TWO blog posts in a week during training! (and in the same day!) I'm feeling the feels people!

Truthfully though, I feel like I need to clarify on this.

I think maybe I was a little too harsh previously in saying what I'm learning is not the style I want to teach. I can't see myself doing any other training. This was definitely perfect for me - and I will go out on a limb -a much supported limb- and say it is the BEST teacher training in my area.

BUT I'm longing for more things. The things I like most.... Like Restorative yoga, Pranayama, Yoga Nidra, Mediations... You could say I'm having a Veruca Salt moment. That's all I was eluding to. I want more! I want it now!

I know I'm being pushed in a good way and for good things. And part of training is doing the things you don't want to figure out what you do. I get it.

I just want a class I can keep up with. That's probably the Kapha in me. But it's truly how I find my release. I want to give that to people.

In student teaching and other various classes I've attended, I can't always keep up. I'm a lot slower in practice than my classmates. Then when I try to instruct a slower pace, it doesn't happen. I don't know how to fix it. Other than cueing. Which is also one of my issues.. I just want to teach people that you don't have to rush through something. You don't have to fit this many poses in a class. You don't have to take me from seated to standing to kneeling to seated to standing... 9 times out of 10 it takes me a little longer to move into something new. I can't change the way I get down from standing.. or the way I lay from sitting.

Back to cueing. I'm having a really hard time with the cueing (like Kosha cueing and what not) It's not too woo for me to experience it in a class. But I'm finding that it's too woo for me to use to direct people. I think that's maybe part of my problem too. Maybe part of that is it's really hard for me wrap my head around it all. I'm thinking that I'm expected to be all WOO about it.

I think I'm overthinking it and making it harder than it really is.

The good thing is all problems have solutions! I just need to find mine.

Thank you all so much for following me on this path!

Oh hey November...

Remember the video to Madonna's Ray of Light in the late 90s? I feel like I'm standing still in the midst of that video. How do I slow it down? It's already November, the year is coming to an end and it's like I won't get a break. Everything is always all or nothing. That kind of thing can be super hard. Finding balance is my number one top priority now.

Saturday I slept. Like slept in! It was amazing! The weather was perfect for catching up on some much needed rest. We didn't get any trick or treaters (we never do) and we didn't make any plans to go to my parents like normal. We ended up ordering a pizza, grabbing popcorn from the movie theater and binge watching Game of Thrones until about 11.

Sunday was super long with the fall back - but it wasn't too bad.

We started the morning with an Anursara practice. I'm so sick of my knee hurting. Ever since I fell it's been nothing but problems.

I'm super interested in Somatics. They're all like little yoga party tricks. When I find myself more interested in something as much as I want to participate and actually complete the exercise, I find myself frantically trying to write notes. I'd much rather watch and take notes on how to cue it and what they should be feeling then do it on my own later. I think I've got a few I want to include as a "workshop" to a pose in my upcoming sequences.

Overall, it was one of the less intense days for me. For that I am grateful. I got called out on not breaking emotionally during Yamas & Niyamas like I had previously warned. Poor Kelsey got the brunt of that last week. I think this may be the reason I feel like to do. Things are bubbling up and there at the surface but they haven't come out yet. I just feel discombobulated and I don't know how to fix it.

If anything, Business of Yoga is one of my favorite topics. Not to toot my own horn (toot! toot!) but I think I'm pretty darn good on this aspect of yoga. Definitely my strong suite. I love that this lets me unleash some of my creativity. I love that I'm making time for this to happen. I actually would really love teaching a class on this. So that may be something to store in my back pocket for future. There are so many things available to you at little to no cost. You don't need a fancy camera... In fact, none of the things I've posted thus far have been with a fancy camera (aside our family picture previews). So if all you have is your phone and access to Facebook then you're Golden! Truly, I would love to get into the operations side of a yoga studio. But I don't want to be taken advantage of. I think I have a lot to offer. But anything managing wise always makes me leery because of how I was treated in a prior position I had.

I'm finding myself frustrated in my style of teaching not matching what I'm being instructed or taught. It's not that I'm not being taught amazing things. I just have a different style I want to portray and maybe that means I need to look at certification programs to get the knowledge/support that I'm still longing for.  I think a restorative training is DEFINITELY in my future. I want my class to be a happy medium between a full on restorative class and what I'm learning now. I don't want to see how many poses I can cram into an hour long class... When I taught an hour and 15 class I only had 14 poses and that included Savasana - which was 15 minutes. I was drawn to yoga because I could do it. Not because I was pushed. So. I feel like my purpose is to help ease into it. Then get them to branch out to things where they will find themselves pushed and tested in harder poses or sequences. If I would have gone to a yoga class other than where I first started - I know hands down I wouldn't be where I am right now. I probably would have walked away and never looked back. I want to be the person who gets them to stay!

Part of me being frustrated is because I'm being pushed from my norm. Which IS a good thing! I also think part of my frustration comes from me having to sort through all of these things that are being thrown at me a mile a minute.  Literally - my binder/manual is overfilling with everything and this isn't even including the reading materials!

It's rough! It's draining and overwhelming yet beautiful and inspiring all in the same. I'm missing time with family and friends... I'm missing weekends... BUT I'm doing something. I'm finishing something! And it's something that is truly going to make the world a better place.

On top of all this; I've also been busy securing work after training. I'm only going to get better with experience. I'm only going to get experience if I seek it. So. That's what I've been doing. I've got a 4 part series starting soon over the course of November-January. It's a drop in class that I've developed compiling ALL of my favorite things to get people on the mat. I'm working and interviewing with studios to secure regular weekly classes. I'm getting overwhelmed at that because I'm realizing how much time it's going to take to prepare for those classes. I think that will be better once I'm done with training. But that's me being hopeful! I'm praying I haven't bitten off more than I can chew. But right now, I feel like I'm drowning! 

So as much as I don't want it to end. I do. For I know when it ends, I will have developed lifelong friendships with each and every one of these ladies. I'm not worried that I'll never see them again and that they won't still be a part of my life. Because I know they will.

I just need to figure out how and get things in order! There is too much chaos happening around me!

Join me!

On The Mat

Hello friends! I've got some exciting news! I've partnered up with a few local yoga studios to bring you;

ON THE MAT!

This will be a 4 class event. I'm hoping to add more dates, but I'm just glad I have my original 4 planned! Originally I had planned 2 to be at Shine and then 2 to be held at the Tiger Club in Aurora. Things haven't panned out with my 2nd location. I'm sure it just needs time. So, I contacted Jenny at Focus Om, and they are going to allow me to hold 2 of my classes there.

I originally wanted to get the 5 Class Passes set up for you. However, I'm fine tuning the details with Focus - and it's looking like this will be a public community event held by them. We will follow their pay structure for this class so unfortunately, I will have to restrict class passes from this location all together.

I have a couple discount codes going around. So if you do plan on purchasing a class pass for a discounted rate, please know that they will not expire and that I AM planning on having more classes within the area. I will be looking at renting Shine out after the new year as well as adding completely NEW locations to the mix.

During this class, it is my intention that you'll be able to take the time to experience a moment for yourself!

We'll practice gentle yoga asanas (postures) and follow it up with a 30 minute candlelight yoga nidra meditation.

In the midst of the holiday season, I promise you, this is JUST what the doctor ordered!

This definitely won't be your typical yoga class! Expect to move a bit, but be prepared for meditation and deep connection with your mind and body!

Shine Studio Batavia
Sunday, November 29th from 4:00-5:30 PM
(available for purchase now!)
*join me after for dinner and drinks at Pal Joey's!

Shine Studio Batavia
Friday, December 11th from 7:00-8:30 PM
(available for purchase now!)

Focus Om Batavia
Sunday, December 20th from
3:00 - 4:30 PM
*stay tuned for rates and details!

Focus Om Batavia
Sunday, January 17th from
5:30 - 7:00 PM
*stay tuned for rates and details!

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