giphy

Better Breathing 101

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Yoga is so much more than “stretching”. In fact, most yoga teachers really do not care for the word, “stretch” as part of the definition, or description of a yoga practice. Truth is, a large part of yoga, is how you breathe.

From that first inhale at birth, to our last exhale – as we transition, breathing is life itself. Some quick facts and stats include us humans breathing between 17,000 and 23,000 breaths every single day. About 2k gallons/7,570 liters of oxygen a day are used with all those inhalations and exhalations. (Sourced from Google) Our Respiratory System is comprised of our nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, lungs, and diaphragm.(major organs) How we breathe can prepare us for a dangerous situation, activating our sympathetic nervous system, or provide calm, and more focus via our parasympathetic nervous system. Most days, we should all opt for the latter, to maintain homeostasis, or a healthy “baseline” within our minds and bodies.

Focusing on our breathing allows us to be in the present moment, to minimize the multitude of thoughts that may be running through our minds all at once – and concentrate just on the task at hand. Same holds true in our yoga practice. In fact, that may be our yoga practice. When you are faced with a challenging situation in life, OR a challenging pose in yoga – your best option is to focus on your breathing. In both cases it allows for the mind and the body, (plus the breathing) to connect and weave more harmoniously until we can move safely (hopefully) out of the situation at hand, OR out of the yoga pose, to move onto the next.

At some point in your life, you may have heard something like, “slowly start to count backwards from ten before you decide/react/speak.”, or, “sleep on it, before making a final decision.” In these cases, you are literally allowing your mind to minimize all those thoughts at once before moving forward – all by focusing on the breath. During a yoga practice, poses are generally held for three to five complete breaths. Yoga teachers will encourage students to, “breathe deeper” within a pose, to allow the body to move, expand, adjust, settle, and connect with the mind. Blood and oxygen will begin to circulate more effectively within the body, allowing for better digestion and a more restful sleep. After a yoga practice, a student may feel a general easiness, and more grounded, or balanced, due to the movement of the body and utilizing the breath in a more focused way.

That same feeling can also be achieved by taking a bit of time each day, (one to two minutes will get you on your way.), to “train” yourself to bring awareness to your breathing.Consider this exercise: Sit comfortably, (in a chair with both feet on the floor), on the edge of your bed/sofa, or on the floor. Sit up tall through your back and spine, and “soften” your gaze, or close your eyes. Palms will rest on the top of your thighs. Bring awareness to your breathing as you inhale and exhale through your nose. When you are ready – take a deep inhalation through the nose and count UP to the number “4”… Pause for a moment….. Exhale out through the nose, as you count DOWN to the number “4”. Continue this for a few rounds. When you are ready, slowly start to open your eyes. Imagine that. All those benefits for your body and mind that are naturally “built” within us. Congratulations! You are on your way to a healthier lifestyle. Breathe better yogis. xo

Text: MICHELEYOGA To: 22828 for your chance to participate in our next, complimentary “POPup” class. – “Better Breathing 101”

yoga #breathing #wellness #betterbreathing #yogaforlife #healthylifestyle #releasestress #stressless #mindfulmovement #movethebodytoquietthemind

allvaxed

All vaxed? Now what Yogis?!

Reading Time: 3 minutes

For a moment, think about what you were doing this time LAST year….Possibly working from home; still catching up with your shows via Netflix, Hulu, and the rest; coming out of shelter-in-place, or going back in; sipping wine out of your coffee mug during your virtual meetings; missing your friends and family (or not); not knowing when you would feel truly safe again. Perhaps even your definition of “safe” was different or completely changed, even non-existent. All most of us wanted was to feel “normal” again. Huh? Not event sure what that is anymore. (smh)

Fast forward to Summer ’20, (a very active hurricane season to say the least.); a few heatwaves; lots of alcoholic beverages by the pool… alone or super distanced; slow peeks outside of the house, then,… Autumn and Back to School,….on zoom; food lines plus higher food prices; Halloween; an election to remember; Thanksgiving, and Christmas (none of which felt remotely the same in the year of Covid-19). It all moved so slow, and yet seems like a blur at the same time.

So much for highlights.

Now, we are in Spring, and there is a bit of hope for us humans. Slowly resurfacing from our homes and stepping back out into the world again; some going back to the office; states lifting mask mandates completely. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Some of us were quick to take off the masks once fully vaccinated, and others have proceeded with complete caution. With every update that the CDC has put forth, gyms, fitness centers, spas, and yoga studios are slowly welcoming members back, adding classes to their schedules, and creating a different space for us to move around in. The studio I teach in is no different. They have diligently followed every guideline to a tee to keep students and staff safe, while trying to stay as close to the previous “normal” as best they can. It begs the question – are we satisfied with holding on to the new “normal”- as we are so far removed from our previous lives, OR, do we now unravel this thread and wiggle ourselves back to the way things were originally – Pre Covid-19???

Last week, before the start of my yoga class, I was shocked when I saw a student, (just outside the doorway to the room I was teaching in), smile at me without her mask on. The horror on my face surely was seen clear through my mask. And there it was! In that one moment, one expression, my mind came to this shocking realization. We have all been living in this ever changing “bubble” for so long, that we are not fully prepared for what happens next, and worse, how we actually feel about it. We have learned to adjust our entire lives to the point of not knowing how we feel, or what we should do when the majority of us become fully vaccinated, and it is time to mix and mingle with people outside our direct households. The clock pendulum has now swung so heavily in one direction, that when it swings back, we feel stuck, numb – like we are starting our lives all over again, from an entirely different perspective. As a yoga teacher, I started to really think about what the room will look like with more students in it, minus masks, walking around offering adjustments – not teaching entirely from my mat anymore with a zoom camera in front of me. It seems so foreign now, I am unsure whether I can even “speak” that language anymore. Covid-19 was so new, and we all had to adjust, (some of us begrudgingly so), to this new way of life. Post Covid-19, we may not be 100 percent sure where to pick up from. Is it worth it? Did Covid-19 change our lense of life so much, that there are just some things we can live without? (Heavy sigh)

Last year my life felt like it was moving in slo-mo every single day. I took time to really purge my home, my spirit and my entire life. I found a certain level of comfort and safety staying home when required, and living my life “close to the vest”. An eternal introvert, my base was not really rattled and I was not itching to get on with life knowing there was a chance that I could get infected and possibly, very sick. I savored the pause in every way. I learned to live in a completely different way, that I never expected. Now, the “lights are slowly being turned on again”, and I (we) have to adjust yet again. It is a process. Be kind to yourself,….again. Take it s l o w, and do not be so surprised if it looks different from what you remembered, thought it would, or even wanted it to be. We are all a year older, wiser, and worldly, stepping back out into the world. Another life lesson, another gift from the universe. Take a deep breath, step-by-step, day-to-day, and – smile!

yoga #meditation #wellness #vaccinated #breathe #selfcare #awareness #movethebodytoquietthemind #micheleyoga

FB – Michele Yoga & Wellness IG- Divagirl Yoga

yoga gear

Yoga Gear, Props, and Mats,… oh my!

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Before I went to my first yoga class, (at the local gym), I wanted to peek inside to get an idea of what to expect. What should I wear, what props and gear should I bring to class, would I be able to keep up with everyone?… Start S L O W, and do not burn a hole in your wallet.

No fancy yoga clothes are required. You should be comfortable for sure, and definitely consider not wearing anything too baggy or loose on top or bottom. An oversized t-shirt may fall down towards your toes in a “Forward Fold”, giving everyone around you an unexpected treat. No designer brands are needed, but a good fit is ideal.

If you have not moved your body in quite a awhile, you may opt to bring yoga props with you, as they will help get your body into a pose/posture with a bit more ease and/or stability. In a new world or “virtual classes”, students now keep yoga props available at home, or purchase and bring with them to class. Consider this… If you have tight hips, or issues with your back, a yoga blanket, or large beach towel may help when you sit on the floor, as it lifts your hips and provides space for a slight “pelvic tilt” forward. (sitting on the very edge of the blanket/towel). If your hamstrings tend to be super tight, (whose aren’t?), consider a block, or two, as it will give you height when you “forward fold”, towards your toes, and when you get into “triangle pose”, as you press your bottom hand into it, which also helps with stability. A yoga strap will help you with “binds” and connecting body parts closer to one another, as in a supine hamstring lengthening. If this prop is on your list to purchase, you can also use a long belt, long dog leash, or even a bathrobe tie in the interim.

The one prop to really invest in, should you plan on practicing for longer than a month, is a GOOD yoga mat. Your yoga mat will support throughout your practice, when seated, standing, and on your back, or stomach. Good support and purposeful movement, will minimize your chances of injury, and keep you coming back to class. Those big, thick, foamy mats may look good, but do not provide proper support, will start to breakdown with long term use, and may cause injury as they tend to make your hands and feet slip. (You do not want to worry about needless movement when you are working on your Downward Dog, trying to breathe “deeply”.) Most yogis will recommend Jade Yoga mats. (Think- slight bounce and “squishyness” under the feet and hands.)

Or a Manduka Yoga mat. (Think – more firmness under the feet and hands)

https://www.manduka.com/?cid=1911440357&aid=70625284255&keyword=manduka&kid=100516918&gclid=EAIaIQobChMItOnW34Kj6wIVA2KGCh2_Hg0uEAAYASAAEgLxX_D_BwE

Its all a personal choice with your gear, props and mat, but you should not have to break the bank, or risk injury – ever.

Be well Yogis! xo #movethebodytoquietthemind #yoga #yogapractice #wellness #yogamats #yogagear

IG:Divagirlyoga

breath

If you can breathe – then YOU can do yoga!

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Sometimes, we are our own worst enemies. (myself included) Many times when I meet someone new and tell them I teach yoga, they say, “I wish I could do yoga – I am just not flexible/have balance/no time.”, etc. You get the picture. My reply is typically along the lines of, “If you can breathe – then YOU can do yoga.” Corny, I know. But very true.

Yoga is not about touching your toes, putting yourself in some crazy pretzel shape, or posting stunning poses on social media. It is so much more simple and deep at the same time. Yoga is about learning to be present, and re connecting with ourselves (that may be the person you once knew before social media, and before your life started running from 0 to 60 all the time.), our cores, our creativity and love of simple things. When you start to breathe with purpose and steadiness, (even for a few moments or minutes), you start to focus on the things that matter most, in that moment. Most of the time – yourself. In a loving, non judgmental way that allows everything else that may be going on in your life and your head to take a back seat for awhile. When you start to breathe with mindfulness – your body will follow. That is truly a wonderful thing! (Big smile here)

I can almost bet you started breathing mindfully after reading this, which means you, my friend, are doing YOGA.

Yoga #Mindful #Meditation #Movethebodytoquitethemind #breathe

beginnersyoga #yogapractice

newbies

We Love Newbies!!

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Yoga is the “union” of the mind, body, and breath. Some starting their practice, may see just the physical aspect of yoga. If a student is limited with their physical capabilities, they can focus more on meditation or breath work and still be practicing yoga – effectively, and in true form. If a student is looking to start more of a physical practice and have not moved their bodies in awhile, then a “Gentle” yoga class may be a good place to start. Gentle Yoga is typically non-heated, utilizing all props including: Yoga strap, blocks, blankets, and bolsters. The poses are generally not intense, (no inversions like hand or headstands), and the transitions from one pose to the next are slower, with modifications offered. Once a student is more familiar with the poses, and more comfortable with their breathing and modifications they may need to make for specific postures, they may opt to move into a more advanced class.

Beautiful and sporty girls in a kitchen with a vegetables

diet is a relationship between you and your body

Reading Time: 2 minutes

When, while the lovely valley teems with vapour around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees, and but a few stray gleams steal into the inner sanctuary, I throw myself down among the tall grass by the trickling stream; and, as I lie close to the earth, a thousand unknown plants are noticed by me: when I hear the buzz of the little world among the stalks, and grow familiar with the countless indescribable forms of the insects and flies, then I feel the presence of the Almighty, who formed us in his own image, and the breath of that universal love which bears and sustains us, as it floats around us in an eternity of bliss; and then, my friend, when darkness overspreads my eyes, and heaven and earth seem to dwell in my soul and absorb its power, like the form of a beloved mistress, then I often think with longing, Oh, would I could describe these conceptions, could impress upon paper all that is living so full and warm within me, that it might be the mirror of my soul, as my soul is the mirror of the infinite God!

O my friend — but it is too much for my strength — I sink under the weight of the splendour of these visions! A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart. I am alone, and feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine.

I am so happy, my dear friend, so absorbed in the exquisite sense of mere tranquil existence, that I neglect my talents. I should be incapable of drawing a single stroke at the present moment; and yet I feel that I never was a greater artist than now.

When, while the lovely valley teems with vapour around me, and the meridian sun strikes the upper surface of the impenetrable foliage of my trees, and but a few stray gleams steal into the inner sanctuary, I throw myself down among the tall grass by the trickling stream; and, as I lie close to the earth, a thousand unknown plants are noticed by me: when I hear the buzz of the little world among the stalks, and grow familiar with the countless indescribable forms of the insects and flies, then I feel the presence of the Almighty, who formed us in his own image, and the breath of that universal love which bears and sustains us, as it floats around us in an eternity of bliss; and then, my friend, when darkness overspreads my eyes, and heaven and earth seem to dwell in my soul and absorb its power, like the form of a beloved mistress, then I often think with longing, Oh, would I could describe these conceptions, could impress upon paper all that is living so full and warm within me.

demo-attachment-132-2485947-scaled

diet is a relationship between you and your body

Reading Time: < 1 minute

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diet is a relationship between you and your body

Reading Time: < 1 minute

There are many variations of passages of Lorem Ipsum available, but the majority have suffered alteration in some formed humour . or randomised words which don’t look even slightly believable. If you are going embarrassing hidden in the middle of text. All the Lorem Ipsum generators on the Internet tend to repeat predefined chunks as necessary, making this the first true generator on the Internet. It uses a dictionary of over 200 Latin words, combined with a handful of model sentence structures, to generate Lorem Ipsum which looks reasonable. The generated Lorem Ipsum is therefore always free from repetition, injected humour, or non-characteristic words etc.

Woman cooking at kitchen

diet is a relationship between you and your body

Reading Time: < 1 minute

There are many variations of passages of Lorem Ipsum available, but the majority have suffered alteration in some formed humour . or randomised words which don’t look even slightly believable. If you are going embarrassing hidden in the middle of text. All the Lorem Ipsum generators on the Internet tend to repeat predefined chunks as necessary, making this the first true generator on the Internet. It uses a dictionary of over 200 Latin words, combined with a handful of model sentence structures, to generate Lorem Ipsum which looks reasonable. The generated Lorem Ipsum is therefore always free from repetition, injected humour, or non-characteristic words etc.

Beautiful and sporty girl in a kitchen with a vegetables

diet is a relationship between you and your body

Reading Time: < 1 minute

There are many variations of passages of Lorem Ipsum available, but the majority have suffered alteration in some formed humour . or randomised words which don’t look even slightly believable. If you are going embarrassing hidden in the middle of text. All the Lorem Ipsum generators on the Internet tend to repeat predefined chunks as necessary, making this the first true generator on the Internet. It uses a dictionary of over 200 Latin words, combined with a handful of model sentence structures, to generate Lorem Ipsum which looks reasonable. The generated Lorem Ipsum is therefore always free from repetition, injected humour, or non-characteristic words etc.