christmas crazy, or my 5 step plan from going insane*

So in an effort to not go completely crazy in the next month, I've made a few decisions.

1. I'm challenging myself to not gain any weight between now and Christmas. In fact, I'm challenging myself to lose weight between now and Christmas. I'll put the goal at 7 lbs. (the holidays are a time when people excuse themselves from eating well and healthy just because it's the holidays. my body is worth more than the pain and regret of a sugar cookie. is yours?)

2. yoga will be practiced at least 3 times a week. in my home or at the studio. practicing yoga is a much better use of my time than a lot of other things I can think of. like spending too much money, or eating too many cookies (see above).

3. Very few presents will be bought. One reason is I'm making a few this year. Another reason is that my family and I are traveling this year, and will spending money on activities and experiences in our location, rather than stuff.

4. Lots of rest will be had. I tend to get sick around this time of year (although not as much since I'm not in school anymore). Lots of rest, vitamin c, healthy foods, and water, will help me from getting sick. I don't want a cold to get in the way of my practice. (have you ever tried doing a downward dog with a head full of goo? it's misreable.)

5. Books will be read. I think I had on my new years resolution list last year to read 2 books a month. I don't think I've done that-not because I'm a slow reader, or don't have the books (I definitely have enough books...), it's because I got lazy. (laziness seems to be the root of a lot of my problems...) I love reading, and getting lost in a book. So, I plan on reading lots over the next month. Plus, I've noticed that sitting down to read a book will slow you down a lot more than watching a movie. Slow = good. If you don't like reading, then do something else you really like to do. knit, sit outside, jump rope...

any goals for the next month? any ideas on how to stay uncrazy?
*reposted from my other blog

Why I became a teacher-and finding what you love

I knew it was always something I had wanted to do. I had the desire to reach out to people and tell them all the things I knew. I had a calling to enhance the lives of others in any way that I could. I wanted to help people become better than they were or thought they could be. So I became a yoga teacher. 

In a world where our society is getting bigger; in pounds not in people; I wanted to be able to help people find a way to be healthy, recognize the power they had in their bodies, and understand how to live more peacefully in our world.

I'll be the first one to admit that it isn't easy to make a life change-or a big decision. I fought against myself for a while while I tried to decided whether I was good enough (see also: strong enough, skinny enough, flexible enough) to be a yoga teacher. But I did it, because I wanted to. Not because I was waiting for somebody else to validate my decision or me. It was something I knew in my heart I wanted to do-so I did. 

I long ago realized that there is no time like the present. No matter how cheesy that sounds-it's true. If you're waiting for a wake up call or sign from God, the universe, or some other entity-this may be it! There is no perfect time to start your life, to make a change, to do what you want to do. This is your life. I wish for everybody what I have found. Happiness in your career choice. Whatever it is that you decide-love it, and embrace it. 

Nobody is guaranteed any amount of time. Take a chance on something new, before all the chances are gone.  

Student of the month-Keanyatta Jones-Green

What do you do for a living and/or what is your life's work/purpose?
I am a project mentor.

How long have you lived in the Houston area?
I have lived in Houston for 13 years.

How long have you been practicing yoga?
I have been practicing 3 years.

How many times do you practice per week?
Prior to returning to work I practiced 6-7 days and most times twice a day. Since returning to work, 4 times a week.

What is the most important physical benefit you have gained from your practice?
I have truly learned to breathe. Through practice and in all stressful situations.

What is the most important spiritual/mental benefit you have gained from your practice?
That at least for 60-75 minutes to let go, truly let go. Every worry, concern, fear...Let go.

What is your favorite pose? Why?
Corpse-I can look the way I feel.

What is your least favorite pose? Why?
Crow is difficult-the thought of falling on my face.

Which pose is most relaxing?
Savasana is the most relaxing pose. The last pose signals final rest/relaxation.

Have you experienced fear of a pose at any point? If so, did you overcome that fear and how?
Crow is a fearful ose because you are bound to fall on your face. I continue to try and breathe.

What is your favorite class at Awakened Yoga? Why?
Every class I take is my favorite. The teachers bring strength and insight to each class. I truly love each class I take.

What is the intention you most often set for your practice?
My my sought intention cor each class is peace. I pray for peace for all those in class. I pray that even for just this short time we have in class, we all find a divine level of peace.

Staff of the month-Jenny Noonan

1. When did you start practicing yoga and what brought you to yoga?

I took my first yoga class almost 10 years ago, when I was 16. I can't remember exactly why I started taking yoga, I guess it was something I was interested in doing. I remember that was the summer I also took drivers ed, and was becoming more independent. My mom would drive me to yoga in the morning and we would argue about something-probably me sleeping too late-and after I was done with yoga, I was in a better mood and always apologized for being difficult. This demonstrated the power of yoga to both me and my mom. I didn't take much more yoga in high school, but dabbled with it more in college. Ever since my first yoga class, I wanted to become a yoga teacher. 

2. How long have you been teaching and what brought you to teaching yoga?

I have been teaching yoga since earlier this year. I always knew I wanted to teach something and teaching yoga had been in the back of my mind since I took my first class. I had thought about taking teacher training last year before, but for some reason didn't go through with it. I think I was afraid of something. Finally at the end of 2010, I decided that 2011 was the year I was going to do things I wanted to. Becoming a yoga teacher topped my list. I think second was learning to play the guitar. 

3. What do you like about Awakened Yoga and its students?

I love Awakened Yoga because it feels like my yoga home. I'm up at the studio almost everyday for something-practicing, teaching, working, visiting. I think there are so many amazing people who practice and work at Awakened Yoga, who all have amazing stories to tell. I love learning from other people's life experiences, and gaining wisdom from people who have more life experience than me. I love being around people, and could never imagine myself sitting at a desk all day-interacting with people gives me energy!

4. Do you have any advice for keeping up a practice?

My advice for keeping up a practice is to find what you like. There are so many different kinds of yoga available in this city and so many different teachers. Figure out what you want out of yoga, then find a class and teacher who can help you achieve it. Explore a home practice. Sometimes practicing at home can be just as beneficial as practicing in a studio. As your practice deepens, continue exploring different types and aspects of yoga so your practice is always fulfilling. Taking care of yourself is really important-so get over your excuses and do it!

5. What other things do you enjoy doing besides yoga?

I love being creative. If you've ever walked into the studio or the boutique and something looks different, it's probably because I've done something to it. I like to do things with my hands, and lately I've gotten into sewing and crafty type things. I'm currently working on a couple of quilts for Christmas presents. I also love cooking and experimenting with new recipes and types of food. Eating healthy is really important to me, because a lot of foods make me feel icky-so I try and do as much cooking as I can. 

Other than that I love getting lost in a good book, spending time with my husband and dogs. Family time is really important to me, and I enjoy any time I get with my family and try to teach them yoga when I can. :)

6. Any other things you would like to share with our yogis?

Give yourself permission to take your practice at your own speed, every time you come to your mat. There is no higher standard to compare yourself to-that is the beauty of yoga. Approach every class like it is your first and have no expectations for yourself or the class. Be kind to your body, and remember to tune into your breath and let it guide your practice. Breath is the most important thing in your practice-without it, where would you be?

Change the way you think-and you can change the world. Those are some of the most powerful words I've ever heard.

travel and yoga

I love to travel. Fortunately I've been able to do so-I think I've traveled 9 times so far this year, and I'll be taking my 10th trip next week.

Every one of those trips my mat came with me. I think I pulled it out and used it 8 of those 9 times.

Yoga on the road can be a really rewarding experience, whether you practice in your hotel room, or go out into the city and explore a new studio. I've been inspired by meeting new people, and allowing myself time to stretch and breathe at my own pace. My body has become accustomed to moving, stretching, and working daily, that I'm not sure I could go a whole weekend without practicing.

So my mat travels with me. I've been taking my manduka pro with me lately and let me tell you-it's no picnic to carry around. It seems to weigh in the neighborhood of 1000 lbs, although their website says it only weighs 7.

Travel can be exhausting and draining-both physically and emotionally. My mat has become a home for my practice. It's a familiar place to plant my feet for 30 minutes or so during my day.

Although I travel fairly often, I am by no means an expert. The only thing I can seem to remember to bring with me is my mat and my toothbrush. 98% of the time I forget my hairbrush, thus I have about 10 scattered around my house. I am usually short on something: tops, bottoms, or sweaters...but I always have my mat.


A few travel tips I have had success with:

• Bring a travel size candle with you to burn in your room-I take the 7 oz. Olive Blossom candle with me when I travel, because it reminds me of home. (check with your hotel and make sure this is allowed...)
• To attempt lighter travel, take a few items that can be mix and matched with other pieces.
• Drink lots of water and take some C! Traveling in an airplane can dry out your skin, and leave you feeling dehydrated. Make sure you drink lots of water while you travel. Take your vitamins as travel can be stressful and stress can lead to a weaker immune system.
• Set some time aside each day to sit still and breathe. Even if you don't take your mat and practice chaturangas, being still and breathing will reconnect your mind, body, and spirit. (note: for more stressful travel, take deep breaths, and hum on your exhale. This is called Bee breath (because you sound like a little bee) and has tremendous calming effects on the nervous system. Try it out!)
• Don't forget to sleep! As I've previously mentioned 101 times before in this post, travel can be exhausting, and nothing is worse than coming home from a trip and being even more exhasted than when you left. After travel, you still have to come back to your everyday routine.

Good luck with all your traveling this Holiday season. Yes I am trying to get better about packing like an adult. I'll let you know if I remember my hair brush next week.

Food

I hesitated a while before deciding to write about food.


It seems to be a touchy subject for some people-but maybe that's just me. I don't want somebody telling me what or how to eat, and I don't want to be guilted in to a particular way of eating.


However, there are a few things I feel like everyone can agree on.


1. Food should taste good. No matter what you're eating, it should be yummy to you.
2. Food should make you feel good. Food is our source of energy, and it should give you energy after you're done eating it. Not feel like you need a nap.
3. Digestion shouldn't be a pain. Literally. Again, eating foods shouldn't be hard on your gut. If you feel gassy/bloaty/belchy when you're done eating a certain food, or like you have to run to the bathroom, or pop a pill, maybe it's time to reevaluate your choices.

I'll be the first to admit having an attachment to food. I like to eat foods because they remind me of my childhood, special times, or because they taste so darn good...
...but not all of them make me feel darn good. In fact, the more I've paid attention to my body's reaction to certain food groups, the more I've noticed how sick I felt. I didn't like feeling tired all the time, or like all the disgestive distress.

so I made a change. I gave up things I didn't necessarily want to. I learned I could stand drinking my coffee black. (i actually like it). I gave up sugar for a month. (Not just sugar, but all sweeteners including honey, agave, and anything that came in a packet.)

Yoga makes us more aware of our bodies. If you want your body to take good care of you-take good care of your body.