YOGA * MEDITATION * INSPIRATION |
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Fall is a time for change. A time to set intentions and slow down after the busy summer months. |
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Hi yogis! Thank you so much for subscribing to Loca4Yoga! I'm so grateful for your support and interest in yoga, meditation and inspiration. The beginning of each month I'll be sending helpful and healing information. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions. Enjoy! Fall is a time of change. The days get shorter and the shadow of night gets longer. I invite you to welcome any change with an open heart- this is definitely easier said than done, but like most things, it will take patience and practice. Perhaps tell yourself that change is the only constant in life. Perhaps set an intention towards embracing change and understanding that it will always occur. The more we teach ourselves to accept change, the more present and happy we can be. This allows us to be here and now, enjoying all the beauties of life. BE FLUID* BE FLEXIBLE* BE YOU |
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Pose of the Month: Balasana (Bah-LAHS-uh-nuh) |
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Traditional child's pose allows your forehead to rest on the ground (or a block) while your knees and feet are together, hands to your side with palms facing up. This asana (pose) gives a great opportunity to CHANGE your practice and focus on sending your breath through the back of our heart space. So, as you practice child's pose, focus on expanding your lungs not only in the front, but the sides and back as well. |
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Today, many people take a wide kneed variation with knees to the edge of the mat, feet together, and hands actively pressing into the ground. Practice one or both variations for at least 5 breaths. Benefits: Stretches hips, low back and ankles Relieves stress and fatigue |
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What is a Mantra? Each month I will share with you a mantra, either in Sanskrit or English. A mantra is a word or phrase repeated silently or out loud to help with prayer, meditation and affirmations. Sanskrit is the sacred language of Hinduism and Buddhism so it is significant to include Sanskrit mantras in our lives. It is important to say what you want and manifest your desires. I often recite them while I'm driving since I'm alone and more confident :). I also recite mantras while meditating with my mala. No mala is needed to recite mantras but it is helpful when sitting still in meditation. A mala is a string of 108 beads that are personalized towards what you would like to manifest, or according to your astrological sign. |
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Breath Technique Each month I will be sharing a breath technique. Let's start off with three part breath. Most of us have forgotten how to truly breathe and breathe through our belly rather than our chest. Start sitting down with one hand on your belly and the other on your heart Inhale and exhale out your nose with your mouth shut Squeeze your belly, keeping it engaged the entire time. Inhale, feel your chest rise, and feel the air travel to the bottom of your lungs, letting your belly expand at the bottom of your breath. Hold for three seconds Slowly exhale your breath allowing your lungs to contract from your belly, then low ribs and finally your chest. Be aware of how practicing this breathe affects you, without judging yourself. Do you feel more relaxed? Do you feel more agitated? Repeat as many times as you'd like.
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Healing Habit A great way to start a day is by practicing oil pulling. When I first tried this a few years ago, I was only able to do it for 5 minutes. Now, I'm up to 20-30 minutes. It is recommended to do for at least 15-20 minutes once a week to receive full benefits. I recommend sunflower or coconut oil. Benefits: Pulls toxins and gunk from mouth Helps whiten teeth Prevents cavities Helps establish a routine | | |
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Udon Soup Being in this time of change, warm and hearty foods are in order! Here is a deliciousand healthy Udon Soup recipe that I highly recommend. Ingredients: 2 cups boiling water Kosher salt 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1/2 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced 1 tablespoon peeled and chopped fresh ginger (from about a 2-inch piece) 3 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped 6 cups low-sodium organic vegetable or chicken broth 1 (12-ounce) package Udon noodles 1/2 medium cabbage cut into small pieces 1/2 cup miso - for this, I bought a mixture of miso soup that had tofu in it Thai/Chinese mix of herbs and peppers
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Instructions: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, heat the oil in another large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, ginger, garlic, herbs and spices and cook, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. To the onion mixture, add the broth stir and bring to a boil. Once boiling, lower heat and simmer Meanwhile, add the noodles to the pot of boiling water and cook according to the package directions. Drain in a colander and, while stirring, rinse the noodles with cold water until they’re cooled and no longer sticky. Divide the noodles among soup bowls and set aside. Add the cabbage to the broth, stir to combine, and simmer until the cabbage is tender. Add the miso and stir to combine. Taste and season with salt as needed. Serve the noodles in the bottom of the bowl, top with soup mixture, and serve immediately
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"Wherever you go, go with all your heart." ~Confucius |
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