Alive in the Fire

Feet

2012-01-27T08:54:00.000-06:00

Photos via Jaquilyn Shumate, Sarah Rhoads, and Pinterest.

I used to not like feet much, but now that I do yoga, I really appreciate them. The way those ten toes and two arches and strong heels can hold the whole body up in space.

Feet really are marvelous, don't you think? :)

I Love My Ordinary Life

2012-01-26T09:00:00.001-06:00

Photo via Jaquilyn Shumate.

Photo via Pinterest.

Photo via Sarah Rhoads.

Lately I've been thinking about how much I adore the simple moments of my life. How happy I am when I allow myself permission to be ordinary, to live an ordinary life, and to be in love with my life.

We don't have to be ambitious every day. We don't have to focus on the future, the next step, the right goal for what's coming later. We can be here, now.

Photos via Pinterest.

We can enjoy the small things: a walk in the snow, a cup of tea, a long hug. The taste of a home cooked meal. A laugh shared with a friend. Knowing your husband loves you back. Watching a cloud float by.

This is what it really means to live in the moment: to love an experience as it happens. This peaceful presence produces gratitude in the heart, and allows us to be fully intimate with our own lives, our own selves.

Photo via Sarah Rhoads.

Here are some blogs I love because they capture the beauty and magical nature of the everyday: Public::Bookstore, Sweet Fine Day, Pacing the Panic Room, Foxtail and Fern, Threading in the Choirs, Simple Village Girl, Angela Hardison and 3191 Miles Apart. These bloggers know how to capture simple moments that are worth treasuring -- nothing too fancy, just life.

What do you read or look at when you're in the mood to cherish the little things?

Wholesome Superfoods and a Video on How to Cook Perfect Quinoa

2012-01-25T09:02:00.000-06:00

There's a lot of controversy over what the healthiest foods out there are. Do you guys believe in the power of superfoods? They're defined as foods with high phytonutrient content or high concentrations of essential vitamins. Basically, they hold a lot of "bang for their buck," so to speak.

Personally, I'm a big fan of a lot of these in the list below. Lately I've been enjoying a lot of avocado sandwiches, hemp seed in my morning oatmeal, spinach in green juices and smoothies, and yogurt as a nice midday snack.

I have also made the switch to using coconut oil in a lot of my stove cooking, and I want to get some agave nectar to put in my coffee instead of sugar. Hubs and I also cook quinoa regularly, thanks to his lovely mum who always sends us the good, organic stuff :) I'm including a video at the bottom for how to make the perfect fluffy quinoa... if you haven't tried it, you should!

What are your favorite superfoods? Do you guys eat any of these?

Acai Berry

Agave Nectar

Avocado

Barley

Beans

Blueberries

Broccoli

Cacao Nibs or Powder

Chia Seeds

Coconut Oil

Hemp Seeds

Kale

Kiwis

Oats/ Raw Oats

Quinoa

Salmon

Spinach

Sweet Potato

Walnuts

Yogurt and Kefir

Want to know more? Here are a few spots where you can read about superfood benefits:

The Whole Foods guide to superfoods
Nouveau Raw
Web MD
Dr. Mercola - superfoods to fight cancer on a budget, and the top 10 superfoods you should eat
Dr. Perricone on Oprah
FoodMatters TV

If you've got any recipe that feature these powerhouse foods, please share!

Your Own Sweat Box: How to Set Up a Bikram Yoga Hot Room at Home

2012-01-24T09:02:00.000-06:00

Photo via Bikram Yoga Redmond.

Have you ever considered setting up an at-home space to practice Bikram yoga in the heat?

If you've been practicing Bikram's beginning series for a while, this could be a great step to deepen your practice. Setting up your at home "Torture Chamber" does take a little planning, but it's well worth it.

Photos via Berries and Bikinis and Christina Earl.

So, where do you start? Here's a list of what you'll need to get your hot room ready.

Adequate space (large enough for your mat plus a little extra space around the edges; make sure you can extend your arms at full reach in all directions).
A heat source (space heaters seem to be the trend), plus a thermometer to measure the temperature and keep it regulated.
A humidity source (optional - some people go without this at home; also keep in mind that certain heaters offer better humidity than others).
Yoga mat and towel, plus some yoga wear you're willing to sweat in. I recommend K. Deer bumbum bottoms, Onzie, and Iluka Activewear.

Photos via Iluka Activewear, K. Deer, and Onzie.

A mirror (preferably full-length) so you can monitor your alignment in each posture.
Studio experience with the postures for a basic understanding of Bikram yoga. Warning: if you don't know the series, don't practice it at home! At least until you've had some practice in a studio under the guidance of a certified teacher.
The Bikram class on CD (sold on Amazon).
I also highly recommend you check out the book Bikram's Beginning Yoga Class to increase your knowledge of each posture.

Photo illustration by me.

Here are some space heater options, listed from cheapest to most expensive:

Holmes HQH319-U Quartz Tower Heater - about $40-80
Holmes HCH4953-U Ultra Quiet Ceramic Heater - about $45-70
Vornado TVH500 Electric Space Heater - about $100
Eco-heater 602 High-Efficiency Electric Panel Whole-Room Heater - around $100
Dr Heater Quartz + PTC Infrared Portable Space Heater - around $160-200
EdenPURE 1000 Infrared Heater Gen 4 - about $400-500

*Note: I haven't tried any of these and I don't have my own Bikram space set up at home, but in my online research these seem to be popular choices among the Bikram yogi crowd!

Additional tips for a safe and rewarding at-home Bikram practice:

If you have a large bathroom, you might consider setting up in there. I've read that many people turn on their shower or fill a bathtub to increase humidity. This sounds like it might work well, but keep in mind it's not the most eco-friendly approach!
Insulate: consider adding carpeting to hardwood or tile floors to add heat. You might also want to look into plastic treatment over windows so that warm air is held in and cold drafts can't enter the room. A door snake can also help keep the room contained; learn how to make one here.
Fans can help circulate air inside the room, so heat isn't concentrated in one spot.
Hydrate! As when you practice in a studio, be sure to drink lots of water before your Bikram class. Drink 16-32 ounces at least 2 hours prior to practicing, and double that after you shower.
Remember to be safe. Keep water in the room in case you feel overheated. Especially if you're fairly new to Bikram, include emergency props in your home space as well: a cushion or chair to elevate your legs after laying down, and a washcloth so you can wipe down your mat and keep it from being a slipping hazard. Sit down if you feel lightheaded, dizzy or faint -- you are your own teacher at home, so don't risk injury.

Photos via Bikram Yoga Dallas and Sierra Sun.

A few final things to keep in mind... as an intermediate to advanced Bikram practitioner, starting your home practice can lead you to improve your yoga. You'll learn the valuable skill of self-correction by monitoring your own practice closely in private. This also means each posture will be better for you because it's more precise.

You'll also experience deeper focus than in a crowded class. At home on your own, there are no distractions to keep you from your yoga, so your monkey mind will quiet down.

That's perhaps the greatest benefit of experiencing Bikram yoga in a quiet, peaceful place: the meditation that follows.

Yoga Retreats

2012-01-23T13:18:00.000-06:00

Photos via LilieZenCoach.

Have you guys ever been on a yoga retreat? I've always dreamed of going on one.

I've done a few day-long silent retreats, but nothing longer or faraway. Wouldn't it be amazing to escape to northern California for a week of relaxation, yoga, meditation and spa treatments?

Or spend a few days at Kripalu in western Massachusetts for a healthy living immersion program? They do weight-loss, nutrition, Ayurveda and stress-relief workshops that look amazing. They even offer programs for people who need to heal from cancer, heart disease or diabetes! Talk about taking the time to take your life back.

A Bikram retreat would also be amazing. Rajashree Choudhury and Emmy Cleaves hold an annual Bikram Women's Retreat that I've heard great things about. It sure would be inspiring to be in the hot room with a few hundred women pushing through class together!

If you've done a yoga retreat or have any recommendations, I'd love to hear about it!

Speaking Bikram in All Languages (A Guest Post from a Bikram Yogini)

2012-01-23T09:02:00.000-06:00

Photo courtesy of Noa.

Bikram Yoga knows no borders. It's a style that can be found across the globe, whether the dialogue is being spoken in English or another language, or not at all.

Have you ever taken a Bikram class in another country? Or tried a silent class?

Today I bring you the story of one culturally-savvy yogini and her reflections on the Bikram dialogue, language barriers, and the beauty of silence. I especially love her videos at the end, too. Enjoy!

Y-Lingual

by Noa Glow

I’m one lucky yogi. The roster at my home studio – Bikram Yoga Vancouver – includes instructors from far beyond Canada’s borders: Spain, Germany, South Africa, the U.S. … the list goes on and on.

Last night, Jerome “from Pareee” led the class. When it came time for salabhasana (locust pose), he counted us down in English on the right side and “en Français” on the left.

“Very good,” he said as we lowered our left legs down. “Much better in French.” I started thinking about the Bikram Yoga language barrier – or lack thereof.

I never did take a Bikram Yoga class when I traveled throughout Spain several summers ago; my guess is it would have been taught in Spanish. I’m almost certain this would not have been a problem.

Once you know the series by heart you don’t necessarily need an instructor’s words to guide you. But wouldn’t something be lost across the language barrier? Isn’t the reason I keep attending class each day because I learn something new every time I go – no matter how many times I hear the dialogue?

I recently had the privilege of attending a near-silent class. Instead of constant direction, the teacher gave only a few instructions (particularly the all-important "change!" to signal the end of each posture).

For the better part of the session the room was eerily quiet; the only sound was the gurgling of the humidifier. It was brilliant. I love hearing the dialogue, but being able to work it out myself (for the most part) was refreshing – more time observe my own thoughts and associations during the Bikram series.

Class literally flew by that day, and the silence made me realize the true meditative value of yoga. Forcing my focus on my practice and my breath helped me push beyond my limits and experience something new. I'd recommend a silent class to anyone who has the opportunity to try. It never hurts to get out of your comfort zone once in a while; you can only grow from it.

Check out this video on how to say “Lock the knee” in many different languages. It sends shivers up and down my spine for the sheer fact that it demonstrates the true universality of Bikram Yoga, which really does make for common ground between us all. If you are human, you lock your knee!

Thanks, Noa, for your awesome post. Also, Bikram fanatics: be sure to check out Noa's incredible practice in this video. She's a rockstar for sure!

Being a Warrior Through Wintertime

2012-01-22T10:00:00.000-06:00

Note: this post first appeared as a guest post on Rana Waxman's blog. Thanks, Rana, for featuring it! And now a slightly different version here on Alive in the Fire...

Winter presses in. The cold chills me and I can't help but shiver. I layer on fuzzy socks and warm slippers, and get out a blanket for my legs when I’m on the couch at home.

As I bike to work in the wind and snow, I meditate myself away from the freezing temperatures and focus on my breath. In, out, in, out: the mantra I must use as I pedal along the frozen streets. I picture a beach in Puerto Rico, a grassy field in California.

On the mat at home, my body feels cold and stiff. But I persist through the first few sun salutations, and I return to deep pranayama to warm myself up from the inside out.

In order to survive the cold of winter, I must be a warrior. I must set my mind in springtime.

Lately I’ve been thinking about how it’s easy to let ourselves hibernate a little throughout this season – both on and off the yoga mat. For me, the effects of winter manifest in simple ways that undermine my yoga practice and healthy habits: I want to stay cozy on the couch after dinner instead of going barefoot for a vinyasa flow in the living room; I crave filling comfort foods instead of clean, green juice; I hardly ever make it to my local Bikram studio; and in general, I feel the effects of SAD creep in when the cloudy days go on for a week or more at a time.

So how do I make it through a full winter season doing yoga while I feel lethargic and uninspired?

I don’t. Instead, I re-set my thinking. I make myself the warrior, instead of the sufferer.

I remember that it’s my choice to enjoy my life instead of wasting the little moments.

In wintertime, the meditative aspects of yoga actually prove more important than the physical postures themselves for me.

Instead of getting down on myself about what I can’t do, I try to focus on the positive. Instead of saying, “I’m so tired,” or “My hamstrings are tight,” or “I really don’t want to have to wear a facemask in order to bike today,” I think, “I can manage 20 minutes of yoga,” or “My hips feel amazing after I do pigeon pose, so I’m going to,” or “I am saving money and helping the environment by going car-free.”

And once I’ve put in the time on my mat, or pulled up to work breathless from the bike ride over, I realize: I am OK, I actually feel great, and what’s more – I’m proud of myself for setting my mind to something I can do.

I’m grateful for the blessings I do have, and that gratitude makes all the difference. Especially when it’s -10˚ outside. :)

Here are a few quick thoughts on how to prep your home for a winter practice if it's chilly inside:

Invest in a space heater for the spot where you're practicing.
Toe Sox or leg warmers, baby!
Add an extra yoga blanket or two to your space. You can always layer one on top of your mat, especially if you've got hardwood floors.
Layer up! I recommend a light zip up and leggings instead of shorts and a tank. YMX makes the perfect sets.
Have a cup of warm tea or hot chocolate after your final savasana.

Photos in this post via GetWags, Tranquil Hearts, Flickr user aubergeinn, Flickr user davidfreiheit, Something Sweet Pea on Tumblr and Pinterest.

Do you guys alter your yoga practice in wintertime? How do you avoid a January hibernation plateau?

More posts to enjoy: tips on why to do yoga in winter, some reflections from a Bikram class last winter, and the cozy cowl I made to stay warm this season. Bundle up out there, yogis!

Happy National Hugging Day!

2012-01-21T19:08:00.000-06:00

Photos in this post via Andrew and Carissa, Oh, Darling Photo and Rose & Crown.

Did you guys know it's National Hugging Day? I hope you're out there giving lots of hugs to those you love.

Go celebrate now! :)

Wholesome Recipe: Green Smoothie

2012-01-21T09:28:00.000-06:00

Photos by me.

I know, I know: it's the middle of winter (at least around here!) and probably not prime time for making ice-cold drinks. Still, I couldn't help but share this tasty smoothie recipe with you guys.

If you don't have a juicer but still want to get some great nutrients in a green drink, this is the smoothie for you. Cuddle up with some knit socks and try one :)

Green Smoothie

Ingredients:

Large handful fresh spinach
1-2 bananas
4-5 ice cubes
A spoonful of almond (or other nut) butter
1/2 c vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup berries (or a pomegranate popsicle leftover from your freezer)
2 Tbsp hemp seed
Drizzle of maple syrup
1-2 cups Rice Dream rice milk (or other milk)

Blend well! I recommend putting the frozen ingredients on the bottom first.

I almost didn't add the yogurt (and you could certainly go without it if you wanted to be dairy-free here), but I threw it in at the last minute. My hubs and I like creamy smoothies, and I couldn't resist :)

Note: you could also eliminate the nut butter if you wanted a more fruity taste. Be creative: there are lots of ways to do a great green smoothie!

Delicious!

Green Juice for Kids

2012-01-20T08:40:00.006-06:00

Video via Vimeo, by this awesome food blogger.

If you think kids don't love vegetables, think again. You just have to present them in the right way :)

I love this video and how excited the little guy gets while he's waiting for his green juice. He knows what's good!

A Yoga Sanctuary In Your Own Backyard (Guest Post)

2012-01-19T09:15:00.000-06:00

Photos in this post via Wari Om Photography and Pinterest.

If you're like me, you like yoga because when you practice, you know just where you are.

There is something profound about the mind-body connection and the way the body's location in space determines how we feel. Experiences aren't solely internal; they also depend on the world around us.

Which is why creating a little yoga sanctuary for yourself is such a great idea -- it's a space where you can unwind, be true to your emotions, and be alone with your yoga mat.

I was so inspired when Alive in the Fire reader Sarah Oxley wrote to me recently with her idea for how to transform a backyard garden shed into a mini yoga-studio space. Read on for her beautiful story.

Wouldn't some boot planters like these be a fun way to brighten up your backyard yoga sanctuary?

I’m new to the world of yoga, and I’m enjoying all the calming benefits and health benefits I’m gaining from it. But when I first started, I had a very big problem.

I wanted to practice the postures and techniques I’d learned in class at home. I always felt energized and at peace after class, and naturally, I wanted to recreate this experience at home, but I simply didn't have the space.

Creating a special space at home for yoga can help you deepen your practice.

We have a small house with a garden, and although there’s plenty of room for me, the significant other and our things, there’s not really the right space for me to feel comfortable doing yoga in.

I was always worrying about knocking something over or I was checking how close I was to something, like a bookcase, a wall, small table, lamp, you get the idea.

Inspiration hit me, when looking out the back window into our yard, and I spotted our garden shed. Our garden shed which barely had anything in it and wasn't really used at all. I decided to give it a new function as my yoga sanctuary.

The lawn mower was relocated to the garage, also rather empty, as well as the few gardening tools we have, a spade and some secateurs just about sums it up. Then a good clean out was in order, everything from giving the floor a good sweep to dusting away all the cobwebs.

Natural light, greenery, and silence: nothing better to surround yourself with before yoga.

Now came the tricky bit: creating my yoga sanctuary. As the weather’s still rather cold and miserable and spring is a long way off, I put a portable heater in the shed. I didn't like the feel of wood beneath my bare feet, and my yoga mat could only cover so much, so I placed a white bed sheet, which I had spare, on the floor and stapled the edges and corners down with a staple gun.

Now there was plenty of room, and I really liked the look and feel of the white sheet when doing my yoga, as the vastness of it helped my thoughts find focus. I had space, I had comfort, and I even had a CD player for when the silence of the shed wasn't supporting my focus.

Ballet is so inspiring, don't you think?

I was still feeling a bit uninspired, so I added some pictures. As I’m a beginner I decided to hang up some pictures of yoga poses and asanas which I want to learn and improve. I've also got some pictures of favourite landscape photographs and prints of my favorite artists. Impressionists have me hooked at the moment, so Degas and Monet are up there.

I think if I had a yoga sanctuary, I might put up an anatomy poster and a nice om design.

I thought it would be a good idea to share my yoga sanctuary with other yogis, as it was so easy to create once the idea came to mind. Of course, you don’t have to do exactly what I did for your own yoga sanctuary. I think what makes it so special to me is that I have space and I feel comfortable in it. So that’s the key: space and comfort. Enjoy creating your very own yoga sanctuary.

Talk about a dream yoga sanctuary!

Thanks, Sarah, for sharing your inspiration! This post has me dreaming about sunny skies and warmer temperatures. Now we can all plan our yoga sanctuary spaces before spring arrives. XO!

The Path Toward Handstand

2012-01-19T09:05:00.000-06:00

Photos by me.

I'm resolute to master handstand.

I've recently learned something important: I'm at the beginning. In order for me to hold myself in an inversion that intense, I first need to build a foundation of strength and flexibility in my wrists and hands.

So I've been practicing the exercises in this video, as well as reminding myself that handstand isn't as big a deal as I sometimes want to make it. After I (like many of us in the yoga blogger world) saw that Yoga by Equinox video with Briohny Smith practicing amazing presses into handstand in her underwear, I really wished I could do that.

But, like everything in yoga, handstands take time. So I'm committing to be patient, build a strong base, and enjoy the process.

More than anything, I've been trying to encourage myself along the way and smile at all the little victories -- like feeling my hands grow stronger, watching my fear diminish, and feeling that rush of being upside down, even if it's only for a second or two to start.

Here are a couple more videos from Mike Taylor and Tara Stiles that have helped. I love how she keeps a positive and light attitude about things. After all, whether or not you can do a handstand doesn't determine your abilities as a yogi. :)

Party Hugs

2012-01-18T13:15:00.000-06:00

Photos via One Love Photo.

Isn't this the sweetest wedding? I love how simple it is: a man and a woman who love each other meet on a dock, surrounded by their closest loved ones (and a puppy in a basket!).

Next thing you know, they're hitched! And toasting each other and dancing in the moonlight :)

Yoga is Sexy, But That's Not All

2012-01-18T09:03:00.004-06:00

Chances are, you've seen this video by now. If not, go ahead and watch it. Brihony Smyth's practice is a thing of beauty... but although that's what many of us notice upon first glance, that's not the only thing she has going for her.

When I first saw these fearless arm balances, I couldn't help but a) feel jealous of them, and b) feel jealous of Smyth's toned, practically-naked body. In fact, I was a little distracted by how little she's wearing, and I was quick to judge her and Equinox's ploy to sell using sex appeal.

But then I read this interview with Kathryn Budig, celebrity yogini and a former teacher of Brihony Smyth, on Huffington Post. Budig talks about the controversy behind her experience modeling naked for ToeSox, the yoga company that she's a spokeswoman for, as well as her discussion with Smyth about peoples' reactions to her video.

After taking a closer look, it sounds like the three and a half minute YouTube posting wasn't just made as a way to show off Briohny's sexy yoga moves. In fact, it was an act of self-expression, and a beautiful reminder of struggles overcome -- turns out Smyth used to suffer from an eating disorder, and had poor self-esteem and a low body image.

Also turns out, the video is a lovely reminder to yogis like me that appearances aren't everything, and we should be slower to judge others.

Thanks, Briohny. I needed that little nudge. Plus, you'd be happy to know that now I'm working on my handstands, too :)

More from Briohny Smith about her intentions in creating the "Yoga by Equinox" video:

They gave me full artistic freedom and allowed me to express "My Yoga." We all agreed that minimal clothing was the best way to show the lines of the body. I felt very comfortable with that since most of my female teachers have been photographed in the nude by Jasper Johal. Equinox explained that the concept would showcase the home practice of Woman of our generation set inn NYC. I loved it!

Once on set, I put my outfit on and had a brief moment of panic... a relapse of old thinking. But when I revealed that to my fiancé he told me, "You look beautiful." And that stopped the chatter in my mind.

No one expected or hoped for controversy but I understand and respect all views. This situation reminds me of an exercise my sponsor gave me during my recovery in OA. I made a list consisting of the names of those who I felt hurt me. I read the list to my sponsor, and to my surprise she tells me to think of ways to practice compassion for the people on this list. This exercise helped me learn that the way we react to something is a reflection of the way we feel inside. It helped me look within for the answers to my eating disorder issues rather than blame others for my pain.

It felt incredibly liberating to be confident in my own skin. So, thank you to Equinox, Q Blog, and to everyone who was inspired by the video.

Photos via Pinterest.

Do you argue the other side of the spectrum, that Briohny's video is a bit too much?

Check out this reaction piece by The Washington Post that talks about how her performance in lingerie is "emblematic of the Western commercialization of yoga," where it's more about "having a cute ass" than being able to move toward inner silence and meditation.

What do you think? Were you inspired by the video in spite of its controversy?

Wind in Your Hair

2012-01-17T12:25:00.000-06:00

Photos via coquinete on Flickr.

Now is the time of year when I dream about faraway places. Warm, sunny beaches and long road trips where you can have the music blaring and the windows down.

Do you ever get wanderlust-y in the winter? Where would you go if you could escape somewhere?

Seane Corn: Detox Flow

2012-01-17T09:00:00.001-06:00

Photo via Hearts Expanding.

Lately, I've been a big fan of making green juices and they have me thinking about overall health and the importance of detoxification.

So I was excited to discover Seane Corn's Detox Flow DVD from Gaiam TV the other night. I tried out the first "Twist and Flow" practice, and it is wonderful! Afterward I felt well-stretched, clear-headed and light.

Photos via Gaiam TV and Pinterest.

Corn moves through a series of intermediate vinyasa flow sun salutations, as well as purifying bends and twists in order to build strength, remove toxins and improve circulation.

I was inspired be Corn's motivational and relaxed style; there is something about her voice that is all at once both very soothing and also invigorating. She seems to have such a deep physical and emotional connection to her practice, and the result is a very authentic experience.

Photos via It's All Yoga Baby and LA Yoga Magazine.

I can't wait to try the longer practice, "Purify," for an even more in-depth detox. As Gaiam TV says in their description, the intermediate practice is a perfect routine for kick-starting a weight loss program (which I'm currently trying to implement), since it burns calories while increasing flexibility and removing tension.

Have you guys ever done a Seane Corn DVD? Or have you had the privilege of practicing with her in person? I'd love to hear!

Juice Tips

2012-01-16T09:15:00.000-06:00

Photos by me.

Here are three things I've learned during my juicing adventures so far.

1. The perfect afternoon snack consists of a glass of green juice, plus some celery sticks with peanut butter. Mmmm!

2. If you want to step up your juicing regimen, make two batches at one. Drink the first one now, and save your second batch in a BPA-free water bottle in the fridge. It's recommended to drink your juice within 24 hours of preparing it, and remember to shake well since contents of different juices may settle into layers.

3. For even more hydrating power in your juice, throw in a Purity Coconut Water packet from YogaEarth! I like to put this in the bottom of my water bottle or juice pitcher, and it mixes in easily and adds a lovely taste.

Stay tuned for more juicing tips! Or check out some advice from Joe Cross of Reboot Your Life.

Do Your Yoga Today

2012-01-15T09:30:00.000-06:00

Photo via LilieZenCoach.

Just start by rolling out your mat and putting your feet on it. See what happens.

Hug Me

2012-01-14T13:24:00.000-06:00

Photos via Andrew and Carissa and Sarah Rhoads.

I'll take one big, long, happy squeeze, please! Hugs are just the best.

Green Machine

2012-01-14T13:20:00.000-06:00

Photos by me.

I am seriously a fan of this green juice we've been making. I actually find myself craving that fresh, vibrant taste instead of other (less-healthy) things. And there's nothing better than the beautiful color, delicious froth on top, and knowing that I'm getting a ton of great nutrients all in one glass.

Day or night, mixing together a green machine juice is the best. Lately, I throw together two batches -- one for us to enjoy right now, and one for later in the day. This means quite a bit of fruit and veggie prep, but it's so worth it.

My husband agrees! And I think we've graduated from casual juicers to green machine lovers. Soon we'll be on our way to a full juice cleanse :) Thanks, Joe Cross and the documentarians who made Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead -- you inspired us to get this far!

Wholesome Snacks

2012-01-13T09:15:00.000-06:00

Photos via Pinterest.

As you may already know, I'm on a quest this year to eat well. I'm preparing wholesome meals and juicing regularly. But it's not always easy, especially when I'm hungry for a quick snack.

That's why I'm excited to bring you a few healthy snack ideas from my sister, Laura, who is a personal trainer in the Raleigh area. She works with her clients not only to slim down and build muscle, but also to develop smart eating habits. Here are some fresh snack ideas she recommends for at home or work.

Smart Snacks

1/2 cup Baby carrots = 35 calories

Green or red bell pepper cut into slices= about 30 calories

Celery sticks w/ 1 tbsp peanut butter = about 100 calories

2 rice cakes w/ slice of lean deli meat and peanut butter or cheese slice (sounds strange, but it's a great source of protein!) = about 250 calories

Wheat thins and cheese (8 crackers + 1 laughing cow cheese wedge)= about 180 calories

1 large cantaloupe wedge = about 35 calories

1/2 apple with 1 cup skim milk = about 125 calories

Yogurt cup (I recommend Greek yogurt or other kinds high in protein and fiber)

Popcorn (Smartfood brand, or air popped)

What healthy snacks do you like?

It's Here

2012-01-12T17:02:00.000-06:00

Photos by me.

Our first snow of the year!

How's the weather where you are?

PS 10 reasons to do your yoga all winter, thoughts on why husband and I are going to bike all winter, and our crazy blizzard last year.

Patience

2012-01-12T14:40:00.000-06:00

Photos in this post via Pinterest here and here.

As a yogi, sometimes I just wanna be able to put my foot behind my head.

Or press into handstand after doing a nice little vinyasa flow.

Or rock scorpion pose. I've been practicing for a couple of years now, so this shouldn't be too much to ask, right?

It's easy to forget how much yoga is like life; we want it to be easy, but it isn't always.

Maybe not even half the time, maybe never.

I have to keep trying. I have to keep working at my flexibility, strength and balance every day.

It is possible to slide backwards if I get lazy.

It's also possible to reach my goals -- eventually-- as long as I can be patient, if I can accept the long journey, if I learn to enjoy the path.

Difficult yoga poses aren't just tricks for impressing people or showing off.

These asanas are a sign of patience -- and the slow, hard work it takes to get somewhere in life.

Can you do any of the crazy poses, like scorpion, handstand, dropbacks into full wheel, or eight-angle? How long did it take you to get there?

Yoga for Athletes & the Importance of Rest (an Interview with Sage Rountree)

2012-01-12T09:30:00.001-06:00

Photos in this post via Sage Rountree and Pinterest.

This year, one of my blogging goals is to attract new readers to Alive in the Fire who are beginning yogis, or who are athletic but don't know how to approach yoga. I want to make yoga accessible to more people, help answer questions for beginners, and offer athletic people new ideas for leading a healthy and happy life.

As part of that goal, I am inviting more guest posts from yoga teachers, coaches, personal trainers, and other inspiring individuals. Today I bring you advice from Sage Rountree, who is a sports endurance coach as well as an internationally recognized authority in yoga for athletes. She's written many books, and regularly contributes to Yoga Journal, Runner's World, Endurance Magazine and USA Triathlon Life.

Sage also co-owns the Carrboro Yoga Company and teaches nationwide workshops on yoga for athletes, trainings for teachers on working with athletes, and running and yoga retreats.

What advice would you give to a novice yogi who is nervous about his or her first class?

You gotta start somewhere. It's like doing your first race. There might be nerves before and missteps during, but you'll feel great when it's over! Be sure to rest in class as needed; yoga is surprisingly hard.

What postures would you recommend for runners and joggers to improve flexibility?

Lunges. For more details, check out a series about that I did for Competitor:

On your blog and in your books, you advocate for athletes to incorporate rest into their routine. Why is this, and how does it work? What do you recommend?

Rest is when we get stronger. It's when the body is adapting to the stress of training, whether the training is yoga, running, or something else. Without rest, injury and burnout are inevitable. Listen to your body, take days off, and trust that less is more. "The Athlete's Guide to Recovery" covers this in detail.

What is your favorite thing about yoga? What does it allow you to do in life that you otherwise couldn't?

I go to the mat for balance and for self-inquiry. That's why I train and race, too. Yoga helps me keep a sense of perspective, because it gives me time and space to pay attention to the experience of each moment, and this brings balance to my body and mind.

How can athletes develop a spirit of non-competition using yoga? Have you been able to witness this change in attitude with your students?

Ah, yes. It's tough: athletes are used to competition. I talk a lot in class about doing less, which ties in to the recovery angle. It's gratifying to see students begin to avoid the deepest expressions of poses and instead stop when they reach a pleasant intensity. You can read more about my thoughts on competition on my Yoga Journal blog, here.

Thanks for your incredible tips, Sage! If you'd like to read more of her wise advice, try Sage's blog on Yoga Journal. Namaste!

Out in the Open

2012-01-11T09:00:00.000-06:00

Photos in this post via LilieZenCoach, Cailin Callahan, Urban Yoga Girl, and Makko-Ho.

Where is the coolest place you've ever practiced yoga? In the middle of a city or an urban park? On the beach or a mountaintop?

I'd love to hear :)

Sultry Yoga

2012-01-10T09:15:00.000-06:00

This lady's got a stunning Ashtanga practice, and there's something so sultry about the video and song. Would you ever practice in your underwear at home? (I suppose during a Bikram class, you're not wearing much more...)

And what do you think -- is this video too much? Too sexy to be a true representation of what yoga's about? Even though I think it's a bit over the top, there is something mesmerizing about her.

Big Hug

2012-01-09T12:45:00.000-06:00

Photos via Jonas Peterson.

Chances are, you know someone who could use a really big hug today. Go on, give one.

Need a hug yourself? Have one, make it good, maybe even sneak one if you like.

Yoga Momma

2012-01-09T09:14:00.000-06:00

Photo courtesy of DeAnn Michiels.

Today I'm bringing you an inspiring story from an Alive in the Fire reader, DeAnn, who responded to my recent request for guest posts. I especially love hearing how she balances her Bikram yoga practice with a little core power. Yoga moms, you rock!

My daughter is 11 months old and I have really loved getting back on the mat after having my first child. My passion is Bikram yoga. It started when I was 18 yeas old and I am now 30. My studio is the Bikram Studio City, CA.

Recently though, I have started going to hot power fusion classes at a Core Power Yoga in Sherman Oaks. I enjoy the vinyasa flow element and core strengthening blended in with my favorite hot Bikram poses.

Photo courtesy of DeAnn Michiels.

I work full time and share watching our daughter with my husband who also works full time. I coach a soccer team and a basketball team, and also am in school full time completing my California teaching credential. Life is good!
Namaste,
DeAnn Michiels

Photos via Flickr.

Are you a yoga mom? Want to share your story about how yoga has changed your life? Write to me at aliveinthefire at gmail dot com today!

Winter Biking Ninjas

2012-01-08T09:44:00.000-06:00

Photos in this post by me and via Cycle Style, Streets Blog, Zazzle, and Utility Cycling.

My husband and I ride our bikes to work every day, even if it's freezing out. Which, lately, means that we feel pretty frigid-y on the way to and from the office!

But we've decided to combat the cold and add one mighty layer to our array of warm apparel: facemasks! Take that, winter. Now our chins and cheeks will stay happy and warm under a layer of neoprene and fleece :)

I have to say I'm pretty proud of the fact that we've braved low temperatures so far this season. Last year we borrowed a friend's car a lot of the time as soon as the weather turned cold, but this year we are planning to go the whole year without wheels.

We work only about a mile from where we live, so it makes a lot of sense for us to go green. Biking is our little way of helping the environment... plus we save we could spend on a car payment, insurance, gas, parking and maintenance. It's a relief for us newlyweds not to have a car, actually!

But it does get cold out. There have been days I've shivered on the way to work, or sat through the day with wet jeans because the rain soaked through my outer layer pants. Or I've been tired bringing home groceries in our little granny cart, bags in hand.

I sometimes find myself wishing for the convenience of a car... but then I'm reminded of how awesome it is to be a bike ninja through the winter, and I'm inspired to ride again. As our chiropractor recently told us, "You two are brave souls!" And that's something I'm satisfied by. Not to mention, the ride is generally a very meditative practice -- I have to zone out so I can forget about the cold, focus on the present moment, and be fearless. You just breathe, and pretty soon, you're there!

We'll see how brave we are when the blizzard hits... but hey! We can still wear our facemasks while walking and be ninjas anyway :)

Need advice for biking through the winter? Here are some tips from TreeHugger, advice on how to winterize your bicycle, and an organization in Chicago that helps people keep cycling year round. Enjoy the ride, bike ninjas!

Connect with Alive in the Fire on Facebook

2012-01-07T13:11:00.000-06:00

If you enjoy Alive in the Fire, you'll love the Facebook page, too! Go on over and "like" it for more photos, stories, videos and posts all about yoga and life.

Yoga for Athletes

2012-01-07T10:00:00.000-06:00

Photos in this post via Urban Yoga Girl, Pinterest and Lilie Zen Coach.

Maybe you've tried it, and yoga just isn't your favorite way to work out. You're more of a runner, cyclist, weight lifter, football or soccer player, or gym junkie. You prefer the thrill of a race or the intensity of a game.

Or perhaps you've rolled out a mat once or twice, but don't think of yourself as a "yogi" because you're not flexible, too energetic for sitting around in meditation, or not particularly interested in wearing stretchy pants in front of a bunch of other people.

Hey athletes, this post is for you.

While I am all for sports and athletics outside of yoga, I have a few reasons why I think all athletes should develop a simple yoga practice. Here's a list that I hope will help you reconsider setting up your mat before your next marathon, game, triathlon or gym day.

With yoga, you learn to improve your breathing. Lung capacity makes a difference, whether you're on the court, field or track. Yoga can help you learn to control your breath, expand lung capacity, and breathe for relaxation. Try some pranayama or kapalbhati to stretch your lungs and improve their elasticity.

Yoga helps you manifest deep focus. Sports players know the importance of being able to ignore distractions in order to get in the game. Every time you engage in yoga, you are learning to experience your own internal world as well as the present moment, strategically letting go of the rest.

If you need muscle strength, even just a little yoga can go a long way in helping you tone areas that will benefit your whole body. Imagine if your lower back were as strong as your bulging biceps, or if your abs and core could help support you instead of allowing your legs to bear the burden of your weight. With yoga, you learn to fill in the gaps and build up deficient muscles for more overall fitness. Plus, you gain body awareness so you can tell when your two sides are uneven, which could lead to injury.

No matter your strength, you still need flexibility. Consider this: A strong, mobile and supple body is the recipe to fight aging. Strength alone can't do it. Remember, even a rock can shatter under the right stress. Yoga is the best way for an athlete to develop limber joints, muscles and ligaments to avoid stressful injury. As we say in Bikram yoga, healthy spine, happy life! And a healthy spine is a flexible one.

What better way to improve your balance than with asanas like Standing Bow, Warrior III, and Tree? Incorporating these into your warm up or cool down routine could improve your balancing activity for activities such as skiing, biking, playing tennis or racquetball, and even throwing and catching.

Practice yoga and you can avoid injury as well as recover from injury more quickly and safely. Studies have shown that yogis tend to have less muscle soreness, too.

Reduce performance anxiety, sleep better, and live a life with less stress. Need I say more?!

So, you're an athlete looking to get more into yoga. Where do you start? Here's a simple routine that is great for those looking to loosen up before a run, bike, swim or lift.

Warm Up: Sun Salutation (two sets)

Poses: Chair, Boat, Bridge, Eagle, Runners Lunge, Pigeon, Seated Forward Bend, Bound Angle Pose, Reclining Twist

Note: it's always best to learn yoga with a certified instructor! Once you've mastered these postures, you can practice them at home on your own.

Have questions? Feel free to leave a comment below! Namaste.

Auntie Rachel

2012-01-06T15:22:00.000-06:00

All photos by me.

It's amazing watching this little one grow (look how different we've both become!). I love my nephew so much :)

Was going through some photos and couldn't resist sharing the love. Have a happy weekend, all! xoxo

Wholesome Recipe: Homemade Salt & Vinegar Chips

2012-01-06T09:05:00.000-06:00

Photo via Oh She Glows.

One of my favorite not-so-healthy snacks are salt and vinegar chips. The Hubs and I love them, especially the ones from Jimmy Johns. But let's be honest: they're not exactly the healthiest.

So imagine my delight when I stumbled upon this recipe via Oh She Glows (adapted from Martha Stewart and 101 Cookbooks). You can make your own s&v chips, and they're healthier than the store-bought bags! Perfect for my first recipe in the wholesome eating in 2012 series. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
Approx 4 cups (or more) white vinegar
4-5 medium potatoes, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
1-1.5 tsp coarse sea salt
Very small sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper
2 tsp Extra virgin olive oil
Directions: Wash and slice up the potatoes into 1/4 inch rounds. Place in a medium sized pot. Pour vinegar into pot until all the potatoes are covered by the vinegar. Bring to a boil and then reduce to medium heat for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit in pot for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, take a greased baking sheet and lay the potato rounds flat on the sheet. Drizzle oil and mix with hands. Sprinkle salt and pepper on top. Bake for 30-35 minutes at 425F. After 30 minutes of baking, flip carefully. Drizzle oil and sprinkle more salt. Bake for another 10-15 minutes, watching carefully not to burn the potatoes. Serve with ketchup and more sea salt if preferred.

The Juicing Journey Resumes

2012-01-05T17:43:00.001-06:00

All photos by me.

I'm juicing again! My husband and I couldn't be more excited to add some fresh-squeezed fruits and veggies to our diet for the new year. We're on the path to eating well; after all, health is the new wealth (hadn't you heard?).

This week we tried two simple and tasty recipes.

The first was a citrus-y energy boost: 1 apple, 2 oranges, and a lemon. Zing! We both agreed that although this juice was a little sour, it's very palatable and is a nice combo of flavors.

Next up, I tried a new green juice. I thought this one was much better than the first green juice I made, a little less crazy tasting (no ginger, and less celery). I loved it! The perfect afternoon snack.

I threw in 3 oranges, 1 apple, 3 celery sticks, 1/2 cucumber, and a bunch of spinach. Mmmm green machine!

The result was a beautiful, bright colored juice that tasted lovely -- light, refreshing, a little sweet and not too overpowering. I think I'm going to stick with spinach over kale for a while, since my tastebuds seem to enjoy it more.

I'm proud to say we've got fresh juice back in our fridge! Stay tuned for more juice recipes soon, plus new dishes for the wholesome eating series as well.

Wanted: Your Inspiring Story

2012-01-05T09:15:00.000-06:00

Photo via 365 Days Yoga.

Do you have an inspiring yoga or fitness story to share?

One of my goals for Alive in the Fire in 2012 is to feature more guest posts. I'd love to hear from readers, yogis, yoga teachers, bloggers, coaches, trainers, chefs, dietitians... basically anyone with an exhilarating, refreshing perspective who'd like to share!

Email me today with your thoughts (aliveinthefire at gmail dot com). You could reflect on:

how your yoga practice has shaped your life
your favorite fitness routine
what you eat to stay healthy
your strategies for avoiding stress and building happy, healthy relationships
your yoga or fitness goals for 2012

Looking forward to hearing from you! Namaste.

Photo via Lauren Ross.

Bookworm Meditation Escape

2012-01-04T11:41:00.000-06:00

Photos via Abby Goes Design Scouting.

Wouldn't this be a great place to curl up with a book, letting your imagination take you far, far away? I think I'd have to take a nap afterward, too :)

Contentment

2012-01-03T15:51:00.000-06:00

Photos in this post via 365 Days Yoga, I Art U, Mother Lovely, and Out of Reception.

How happy are you?

It's a question that floats through our minds now and then, and that often comes up at the beginning of the year, as we look toward the future with new goals.

How content are you with what you have, and who you are today?

One of Alive in the Fire's readers shares her story today about the power of contentment, and how to find it. May this post by Rana Waxman help you on your journey toward happiness!

Happiness cannot be found throught great effort and willpower, but is already present in open relaxation and letting go.

-Ven. Lama Gendun Rinpoche

It is very easy to feel on top of the world when you are not being tested, but is this your default setting? If pressures build up, do you breathe through them, find ways to diffuse tension or do you store it, let pressure build and then explode?

I am not talking about the once in a while scenarios, but if things are not as you'd hoped, what are your attitudes, perceptions, and coping strategies? Do you still experience contentment or is this a borrowed measure reserved for the one day all the bills are paid, you have slept great, and you have eaten well...in other words, are you happy and smiling no matter what happens?

The reason I put forth these questions is that seeking happiness is a complex thing. Yogis call it uncovering our true Nature, and will tell you we are born into happiness, but the thinking mind gives us all kinds of trouble. It starts us chasing after the senses, after material gain, accumulation, etc.

There's nothing wrong with wanting the iPhone 4; it looks super cool. But if you have the iPhone 3, do you then become less happy with what you do not yet possess once the iPhone 4 is released onto the market? Or do you accept what you have with gratitude?

This last approach -- accepting what you have with gratitude -- is the fertile ground for lasting happiness.

Contentment, Patanjali says in the yoga sutras, is dynamic, as opposed to complacency which is a bit stagnant. We should be able to look at our life, weed out the toxic relationships and situations to then re-balance on all levels. This requires changing what isn't working; therefore, practicing contentment is a call to action sometimes. It also asks us to want what we have.

Contentment brings us to a new perception of how things are, and so, calms the mind, fostering appreciation. It is an attitude that is independent of outside influences.

What you have or don't have does not change the essence of who you are.

You may be thinking, "Uh, maybe I can achieve contentment in my next life, but that sounds pretty hard to sustain now!"

Though it may be easier to be happy when there is some kind of "success" in our life, the truly positive person will smile and keep a good sense of humor throughout turmoil, will exhale and relax, will know that they are guided and protected, all-one, not alone.

I know virtues are hard to visualize and materialize and harmonize when things are tough, and disappointments abound. These are the times though when adopting a mind-set that views adversity as opportunity is helpful. So instead of chasing, spend a few moments in Nature, or quietly observing your breath, do a little Yoga Flow, take a walk.

Allow this great and powerful and sustaining virtue to take root in your life so that your default setting is now rewired for peace and positivity in 2012...

Blessings,

Rana

You can connect with Rana on her website, blog, Facebook, or Twitter.

Resolute, with a Light Heart

2012-01-03T09:15:00.000-06:00

Photo via Hearts Expanding.

Happy 2012, all! I hope your new year is off to a wonderful start.

It's great to be home to Chicagoland, but I have to say I already miss family and the beautiful sunshine we were having out east like crazy. :)

I'm excited to get back to a regular yoga routine, though, and the Hubs and I are determined to try our hand at juicing again. (If any of you have any recipes you enjoy, please share!)

It's definitely that time of year when my mind is swimming with ideas for new year's resolutions... for getting back in shape, for starting new yoga and meditation routines, for reading and writing more. And yet I find myself wanting to pull back a little bit and reconsider where I am and how I can enjoy the present, too.

Photos via Lilie Zen Coach.

I think it's important, especially at this time of year, to remember that you can be happy along the way toward achieving your goals and changing your life for the better.

Plus, you're beautiful right now, just being you. So remember to keep a light heart as you pursue your resolutions for 2012, my lovely readers!

Photo via Urban Yoga Girl.

Want to share about your health and fitness goals for the new year? Email me at aliveinthefire at gmail dot com with your story, especially if you're looking for a little accountability. I'd love to keep in touch and encourage you along the way! xoxo

Fitness in 2012

2012-01-01T09:20:00.007-06:00

Photos via Pinterest.

What's your plan for staying fit in the new year? Will you be doing yoga, pilates, running, biking, or something else that's active? I'd love to hear!

PS I want to try Zumba this year!

Go Dance!

2011-12-31T15:03:00.000-06:00

Photos via Pinterest.

I hope you're dancing your new year's dance, giving a hug to someone you love, and letting loose right about now :)

Happy New Year's!

2011-12-31T10:30:00.015-06:00

Photos by me.

Happy New Year's, yogi friends. I hope you're doing something fun to ring in the new year!

Last year, the Hubs and I were watching fireworks over the water in San Francisco. We spent the day on my dad's sailboat in the bay and then walked around near Fisherman's Wharf. This year, we're enjoying a quiet and relaxing celebration at his family's home in northern Virginia. What are you up to?

Northern Virginia

2011-12-30T13:48:00.000-06:00

Photos via my phone.

These weeks visiting family on the east coast have been so wonderful. Some of my favorites...

sun breaking through beautiful skies,

my wonderful nephew,

a coffee date with my mum-in-law,

at a cool cafe that featured shoes hanging from the ceiling,

and cool, calm nights together.

Please let the trip never end! PS Coming soon... pics from our adventures and my day-long date with Hubs in Washington, DC :)

Bendy Backbends for Beginners

2011-12-30T09:23:00.001-06:00

Photos via Pinterest and Coffee and Yoga.

One of my goals for the new year is to increase flexibility in my spine. I imagine this is true for a lot of you yogis, too, so this post offers a few reminders about how to do healthy and safe backbends whether you're new to yoga or you've been on the mat for a while.

Photo via Bikram Yoga.

One of the best things you can do as a beginner is to seek the guidance of a certified teacher. Yoga instructors with experience know how important it is to warm up the spine before attempting a deep backbend. During classes at a studio, you'll be able to engage in a smart series of postures to keep your spine safe, warming it up one vertebrae at a time.

Ever notice how in Bikram classes, you don't do camel or rabbit pose until the end of class? And in a Hatha class, you wouldn't do full wheel pose until you've done a bridge pose or two, right? Sequencing asanas this way allows you to ease into your spine's full flexibility.

Photo via Om Light Photography.

Another important consideration, especially for deep backbends, is to utilize strength in other areas of your body -- namely, your core and legs. Look at the photo above, for example. When you're in full wheel, your arms, legs, and core are engaged fully so that your lower back doesn't have to take the burden of holding you up.

Similarly, in camel pose (below), you push forward with your legs, hips and glutes so that your low back doesn't feel the full pressure of the upper half of the body bending over.

Keep in mind, too, that your low back should feel long throughout the posture.

Photo via Dudes Doing Yoga.

Let the fear go. Remember that backbend postures stimulate your nervous system, sending you into a "fight or flight" response. It's normal to feel dizzy, energized, emotional, or otherwise stimulated during these poses.

Begin to approach each backbend with curiosity and patience. Apply your yogic skill of observation and watch your energy as it moves during the pose. How do you feel after a backbend? Are you more awake and alert?

Can you encourage yourself to try holding a pose for 10-15 seconds instead of 5? Remind yourself that you are opening your heart to greater compassion and deeper love by the simple act of bending back.

Gradually work your way in using the breath, and try to allow yourself to enjoy the backbend. Before you know it, you'll be craving them on a daily basis.

Photo via Michael Peter Carter on Tumblr.

Above all else, remember to give it time. Flexibility of the spine doesn't happen overnight -- it is a lifelong process. We spend so much time hunched in front of a keyboard or car steering wheel that it can take a while to reverse our tendency toward experiencing forward folds... but gradually, with persistence, you will find yourself arching backward gracefully with little resistance.

Want to learn more about backbends? Try this article from Yoga Journal, tips from another blogger, or Bikram's thoughts on how Bikram yoga can help heal back pain. Or learn more about how backbends open your heart.

Health is the New Wealth: Wholesome Recipes for 2012

2011-12-29T09:30:00.000-06:00

Photos in this post via Urban Yoga Girl, Lilie Zen Coach, Pinterest and Good Mood Food.

One of my goals for 2012 is to eat better than I ever have before. I believe taking my yoga off the mat and into the kitchen will help me lead a healthier, happier life.

Will you join me in my wholesome eating adventure? I'm inspired and want to plan:

healthier breakfasts,

more entrees and snacks featuring vegetables,

and healthy drinks from the juicer/blender instead of sweets.

Here are a few recipes via Good Mood Food (pictured above) to start out the year in a healthy, wholesome way. Keep an eye out for weekly posts featuring more wholesome recipes throughout the year, and please share your ideas in the comments below!

Morrocan Salad

1 zucchini, cut in thin slices
1 eggplant , cut in thin slices
olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
salt
1 1/2 cup quinoa
1 tbsp cinnamon
1 lemon
2 bunches mint leaves
1 bunch cilantro/coriander
3 tbsp raisins
2 avocados, cut into 1 inch squares
4 small spring onions, chopped
1 cup almonds, divided in half, roasted and salted

Start by making the marinated vegetables. Spread out the zucchini and eggplant slices on a bbq, in a grill pan or in the oven, a couple of minutes on each side. Put them in a bowl, drizzle olive oil, garlic and salt over them and set aside.

Cook the quinoa according to the package but add one tbsp cinnamon in the water. When it’s done cooking, rinse and set aside to cool off. Squeeze the juice from half a lemon and add five tbsp of olive oil into the quinoa. Chop half of the mint leaves, half of the cilantro and all the raisins, throw them in the quinoa and toss it around until everything is mixed. Serve in bowls together with the marinated vegetables, avocado, spring onions, the rest of the mint and cilantro and the roasted almonds.

Coconut Berry Smoothie

1 cup fresh blueberries
1/2 cup coconut water
1 frozen banana
a big chunk fresh ginger, minced
juice from 1 lime
2 tbsp coconut flakes
a handful of walnuts

Throw all the ingredients in the blender. Blend it for half a minute. Enjoy!

Ad Space Available at Alive in the Fire

2011-12-28T12:31:00.000-06:00

Alive in the Fire is an award-winning blog all about yoga, but we also love fashion, green goods, spa and massage, and creative companies with a passionate approach.

Looking for a great deal on ad space for the month of January or February? Contact me at aliveinthefire at gmail dot com today! Prices are super affordable and you can get great above-the-fold coverage.

Alive in the Fire's audience is an organic fit for those hoping to reach an active, hip, green, fashionable and largely female audience. The blog is a great fit for companies who sell yoga and fitness gear or apparel, healthy food or drink, and green goods.

By becoming a sponsor with Alive in the Fire, you will reach a lively community of readers who love yoga and who care about taking good care of themselves, each other, and the world.

For more info about the types of companies I've worked with in the past, see here. And for details on ad spots in 2012, email me at aliveinthefire at gmail dot com. Namaste!

Photos via Urban Yoga Girl.

Is Ballet the New Yoga?

2011-12-28T09:15:00.005-06:00

Photos via Urban Yoga Girl.

Back in high school, I used to dance. I think some of my love for yoga stems from that original desire to move freely, stretch deeply, and be present to the moment.

The other day I read an article about how ballet studios could become as popular as yoga studios in 2012. What do you guys think? Would you try a dance class along with your usual yoga routine?

PS More ballerinas here, here and here. XO!

Magical

2011-12-27T13:30:00.000-06:00

Photos by my cousin, Joelle.

Christmas may be over, but there's still wintery magic all around us. I love how at this time of year there are lots of sparkly lights to admire. Have you driven around your neighborhood to witness the enchantment yet? :)

Yoga in New York (Video)

2011-12-27T09:15:00.000-06:00

Watching videos like this is one of my favorite things to do. Effortless, graceful, fluid movements. Meditation in motion.

Yoga is beautiful, don't you think?

A Simple Gift & The True Meaning of Christmas

2011-12-25T09:25:00.001-06:00

Photos in the post via Pinterest, Flickr and Google Images.

Merry Christmas, yogis, friends, and lovely readers! I hope you are having a beautiful day.

I wanted to share a few heartfelt reflections today. This has been such a meaningful and compassion-filled week. I've been spending time surrounded by family -- sharing meals together, speaking openly, playing games, laughing, supporting each other, and just generally being close.

I've found it's the small things that are such wonderful reminders of what Christmas is really about -- talking to my nephew for the first time as he bumbles over little words and calls me "auntie," dancing with my brother in law and helping him build forts in the living room, sharing a kiss under the mistletoe with my husband.

This year, I have also been blessed to experience something I've always wanted to at Christmastime: the chance to give freely to a(n almost complete) stranger.

As many of you know, last year I embarked on a unique journey with 8 very special yogis all around the country. Through my blog, I decided to sponsor them and support their yoga journeys for the year. While I was able to offer them free classes, send them written support, and even mail some gear and goodies their way, none of those gifts seem as meaningful as this one.

This week, my heart went out to Beth, who lives in Missoula, Montana, and is having a very hard month. She recently lost her unborn baby. Hearing the news broke my heart, and I continue to grieve as I've followed Beth's poignant posts on her own blog. Every time I sit down to read her reflections and think about what she's going through, I've wondered, what can I do to help? Is there anything I can offer?

What can you offer to someone you hardly know who has just lost her child?

I pored over Beth's elegant yet agonizing words, admiring her as a woman and a writer during this difficult time. I was particularly struck by this passage:

This grief thing is so . . . strange. It’s hard and confusing sometimes, feels good other times, and is unpredictable all the time.

How can I tell of the complexity of hope and fear and doubt and love occupying my every breath? But it is one that every part of me longs to be answered.

There is love, and there is gratitude. After Eve died, everything was as easy as it could possibly have been. An unshakeable peace, a short labor, easy delivery, no complications, a quick-healing body, safety from postpartum depression — not to mention the courageous, empathetic love that our friends and family have surrounded us with since we invited them into our loss. God has not left us alone in this.

Reading these words, I was inspired by the way Beth could see the greater good within her struggle and how she has been able to recognize the power and grace of God even as she grieves.

What hard work that must be, I realized, scanning the words on my screen again. I bet she could really use some rest and relaxation after all that she's going through. And so I decided there is something I can offer Beth-- small and incomparable as it is in the face of her story -- but I went for it.

I sent messages to a bunch of massage therapists in the area, and found not one but two ladies (one from Healthy Hummingbird Massage and one from Red Willow Learning Center) who also know the true meaning of Christmas. They each quickly offered to give away an hour of their services for massage and holistic reiki therapy.

Simple, yet full of love: some bodywork R&R, a Christmas story worth remembering, and a glimmer of hope in a world that sometimes feels dark. Beth, these are my gifts to you.

Thank you for sharing your gifts of courage, honesty, and faith. Thank you for sharing the gift of love. Most of all, thank you for reminding us that it's OK if the holidays feel like a paradoxical time -- filled with love and hope and togetherness, and also a poignant sadness for those we've lost and can no longer enjoy them with. Thank you, Beth, for remembering that at Christmas, our God brings the ultimate gift of joy and grace, a pure hope in the form of a beautiful child, a hope that's worth holding onto.

PS Another inspiring quote from Beth's blog:

“Gifts of grace come to all of us. But we must be ready to see and willing to receive these gifts. It will require a kind of sacrifice, the sacrifice of believing that, however painful our losses, life can still be good — good in a different way then before, but nevertheless good. I will never recover from my loss and I will never got over missing the ones I lost. But I still cherish life. . . I will always want the ones I lost back again. I long for them with all my soul. But I still celebrate the life I have found because they are gone. I have lost, but I have also gained. I lost the world I loved, but I gained a deeper awareness of grace. That grace has enabled me to clarify my purpose in life and rediscover the wonder of the present moment.” (Jerry Sittser, A Grace Disguised)

Merry Christmas Eve!

2011-12-24T10:00:00.000-06:00

Photos via Pinterest.

Merry Christmas Eve! I hope you are all celebrating with family, enjoying the festivities, and perhaps even lighting a candle or two for a relaxing yoga practice at home.

My sister and I are going to host a family yoga class in the living room. I'm excited to try some asanas with my little nephew, parents-in-law and brothers-in-law. Yoga party time!

Healing Yoga: Cancer Patients Experience the Benefits

2011-12-23T09:23:00.010-06:00

Photos via Pinterest and Flickr.

I am touched and honored to bring you a guest post today from Trevor Bradshaw, an aspiring writer, yoga nut, and brother to a cancer survivor.

Trevor has a true passion for writing about the benefits of yoga for cancer patients, and his compassion inspires. Thanks, Trevor, for sharing your perspective and some healthy tips for those on the road to healing! Namaste.

Yoga provides many benefits for quite a diverse assortment of physical issues from back pain to stress management. In an age when hospitals continue to become more specialized, the success that millions of people have had with yoga has prompted the medical community to take notice of its myriad health benefits. Today, most doctors, including the Mayo Clinic, have taken note of how a regular yoga practice can help benefit cancer patients. And while it’s clear that yoga by itself does not cure cancer, it has become well recognized for providing several important benefits to cancer patients.

Yoga is extremely beneficial to cancer patients because it can offset many of the negative symptoms related to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Cancer patients often must undergo these extremely debilitating treatments, causing them to suffer fatigue and nausea. A mild yoga program, however, helps to relieve nausea, which many patients’ find unbearable, and as well as helping to maintain patients’ energy. While many report still feeling fatigued, it is often to a much lesser degree if they are practicing yoga.

New studies show that not only is yoga a great way to combat the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, but also a great tool in calming the nervous system. By combining different poses and breathing techniques yoga is used to help improve issues with sleep and reduce the dependency on sedatives as well as relieve muscle pains that are associated with deadly cancers like leukemia and mesothelioma. For many cancer patients, sleep deprivation causes additional emotional and physical breakdowns but yoga can help patients get a good sleep and feel better throughout the day.

Yoga also has been proven to increase the number of red blood cells in the body. This is particularly important for cancer patients and regular yoga practice also increases the circulation of oxygen carrying blood cells throughout the body. Adequate oxygen supplies are of paramount in working to heal a cancerous body. The improved circulation and increased red blood cells from yoga help the body heal and keep the immune system in good working shape.

Furthermore, a yoga practice does not have to be strenuous -- an added boon for fatigued cancer patients. Many patients already experience the many health benefits of a gentle yoga class, but there are still many who have yet to hear about its benefits. For cancer patients who are apprehensive about attending class at a studio, they have the option of practicing in the convenience of their own homes.

If you know someone who is a cancer patient and new to yoga, tell them about the benefits and how simple it can be to start with a beginners program by taking a class or buying a DVD.

For more reading about how yoga helps cancer patients, check out this post or read more by Trevor here.

Or you can learn from a Bikram teacher who says yoga saved her life.

You can also check out reflections on practicing with pain or learning to cultivate compassion with your yoga.

Partner Yoga

2011-12-22T10:15:00.000-06:00

Photos via Bikram Yoga Dallas and Contact Partner Yoga on Facebook.

Have you guys tried partner yoga? I think there's something so inspiring about sharing your practice with someone you trust.

At a silent meditation retreat I attended this year, we practiced a little bit of partner yoga at the end of the day. I was paired with my instructor (no pressure, eh?!) and actually found it one of the most relaxing, meditative parts of the day.

When it's just you and one other person, your concentration must be focused, deliberate and calm. You must steady your breath and your body in order to coordinate movements together. Even simple postures like tree pose become an introspective challenge, and deeper stretching postures can be intensified with the help of a partner.

Would you practice partner yoga with a friend or lover? There's something so intimate about it (besides the physical contact) and you really are learning to communicate with each other in a non-verbal way.

During the practice I experienced at the retreat, I found that it was a little awkward at first (especially during postures where we were staring straight at each other!) but eventually it became more comfortable practicing side by side.

Ironically, if you let it, partner yoga can be a very self-reflexive practice. As you work together, you allow yourself to go farther inward and experience your inner world, your emotions, and your experience of intimacy.

I think it would be great to plan a romantic partner yoga and dinner date, or even try to incorporate a partner yoga class with the whole family. How fun would it be to see moms and dads sharing yoga asanas with their kids?!

Want to learn more? This book and this book both look pretty good, or you could try this video. I'd suggest searching for partner yoga classes in your local community -- you'll meet other awesome yogis and get a great practice in!

Not a fan of partner yoga? Read this hilarious article from Salon for one reviewer's experience with a neighbor's sweaty thighs. Oh, dear!

Yoga Rave Video

2011-12-21T09:05:00.007-06:00

Have you guys ever heard of a yoga rave? I hadn't either, until I discovered this inspiring video from Lululemon, featuring a lot of dancing, stretching, sweating and glow-in-the-dark bracelets. Looks like a party to me!

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Yoga Rave Video