A Yoga Mama is a Rama Mama

Haiku of Sunday yoga

noreply@blogger.com (A Yoga Mama is a Rama Mama) — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 17:29:00 +0000

Blogging post yoga
on my mini in a sphinx
On a fun Sunday

Just keep swimming

noreply@blogger.com (A Yoga Mama is a Rama Mama) — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 02:13:00 +0000

"When life gets you down, you know what you do?

Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming, swimming, swimming."

Dory, Finding Nemo - YouTube: http://youtu.be/CmyUkm2qlhA

In yoga and life, just keep breathing.

Right here, right now

noreply@blogger.com (A Yoga Mama is a Rama Mama) — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 01:42:00 +0000

Yoga is about having balance and being present. Reminding ourselves literally to be right here, right now is practicing being in the moment. This allows us to live more and enjoy the small things more.

Being right here, right now in my daily life has brought more pleasure to my life. Even when the kids are screaming. And if they are, I just take a deeper breath.

TGFY (thank God for yoga)!

Happy 2013!

noreply@blogger.com (A Yoga Mama is a Rama Mama) — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 02:28:00 +0000

So two beautiful girls later, here I am. We were blessed with Harper Faith last December. Can't believe she's now one. And yes, Harper is a girl.

For 2013, focusing on the mantra: Live well.

As a working mom of two small kids while still teaching a few yoga classes a week, I rely on my yoga practice for good health. This year, I plan to focus on renewing my passion for writing and yoga while learning new techniques and ideas for leading a good life.

This month, I am focusing on Deepak Chopra's book The Seven Laws of Success of Yoga. I've had it for years and am excited to really focus on it's plan and see how it affects me.

The book says that there are seven laws of success, that when applied with yoga and focused on each day with the corresponding law, can really enhance and balance your life.

Tuesday is the law of Karma, cause and effect.

To apply this law ask yourself, "What will this choice bring me?" I asked myself this throughout my yoga asana practice (asana is Sanskrit for postures) at YG. Third time this week - total treat for me. :)

Since today is New Years, the teacher focused on stirring up tapas or our internal passion, fire. Pati talked about using our yoga practice like a burning bowl ceremony where we envisioned burning something we wanted to rid ourselves of while practicing. I imagined burning off extra weight. Ninety minutes later, I felt very blessed, inspired and whole. Totally ready and embracing 2013.

Cheers! Excited for the journey ahead.

TGFY (thank God for yoga)

See my growing family and me

noreply@blogger.com (A Yoga Mama is a Rama Mama) — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 03:04:00 +0000

Click here to view this photo book larger

Create a gorgeous, high quality wedding photo album at Shutterfly.com.

Yoga Saturdays

noreply@blogger.com (A Yoga Mama is a Rama Mama) — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 15:44:00 +0000

Taught Pilates and yoga this a.m. and just had a fictional "yoga" book come in at the library that I had been waiting on for a few months.

I love Saturdays, especially with yoga.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Ujjayi Haiku

noreply@blogger.com (A Yoga Mama is a Rama Mama) — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 12:13:00 +0000

My dog and me are

ujjayi breathing together

What a perfect start.

Use your tools

noreply@blogger.com (A Yoga Mama is a Rama Mama) — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 17:51:00 +0000

"The master sticks to her tools." ~ Lao-Tzu

Yoga is a big toolbox full of a variety of options at your disposal: breath, meditation, concentration, postures to name a few.

When you're falling off track, go back to what works. Go back to your tools.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Salutations a parking ticket solution?

noreply@blogger.com (A Yoga Mama is a Rama Mama) — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 02:01:00 +0000

Add a new twist on why to do yoga: it's now being tauted as a way to relieve stress upon receiving the dreaded parking ticket.

The city of Cambridge, Mass., began including a "citation salutation" to its parking tickets as part of a public art project by artist-in-residence Daniel Peltz.

"Peltz envisions '“a reflection on a social situation, the human experience of giving and receiving parking tickets.” '

'"I’m going to get the ticket either way, my only choice really is how I’m going to receive it.”'

This train of thinking could relate to how we react to any situation. Yoga is a method for handling external experiences in a balanced manner and shows us receiving a parking ticket isn't the end of the world, unless we make it that.

So breathe when you receive that parking ticket, or the baby spits up on you, or your co-worker is annoying you, or insert your own negative bullet point here, and watch it more easily flow off your back.

Eagle mudra for more intuition

noreply@blogger.com (A Yoga Mama is a Rama Mama) — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 02:18:00 +0000

Mudras, a type of hand gesture, are said to be the first form of prayer before speech. They are also a way of cultivating a specific state of mind.

Try garudasan or eagle mudra to enliven your intuition when you're in need of guidance.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Allergies and Stress: Who knew?

noreply@blogger.com (A Yoga Mama is a Rama Mama) — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 13:45:00 +0000

Signs of allergy season began for me this past month but to the extreme. Sinus pressure and headaches were more distracting and disconcerting than ever before, and this past week my chest has felt tight.

Perhaps the ragweed count in Kansas City is at record levels. Had a suspicion it was something to do with me. So what's going on? I asked myself.

Stress!

After researching yoga poses for allergies and asthma due to the tightness in my chest, I found the online Yoga Journal article "Allergy Antidote." It correlates asthma and allergies to stress and how having a more calming yoga practice can help alleviate symptoms.

"Through relaxation, the nervous system basically tells the immune system to hold its fire. Once the immune system backs off, the inflammation and mucus decrease, and symptoms diminish.

Migdow suggests you make de-stressing your immune system a priority by modifying your yoga practice to be less vigorous and much more calming. "For example, avoid Bikram Yoga or Ashtanga Yoga where there is already heat. Instead, practice asanas in a smooth and relaxing way with lots of slow breathing."'

Must admit, I have been giving the pressures in life more power than they deserved, but to have my body reacting to it as allergies. Who knew?

After returning to the Midwest four years ago, I visited an allergist upon having allergy symptoms for the first time in my life. A few tests later only revealed mild allergies and a slight athletic asthma. Took the prescriptions for a while. Once they ran out, I switched to the more holistic nasal rinsing since soon after I became pregnant.

Although now nasal rinsing didn't seem to help as much. Nor did taking several Claritin and Sudafed generics per day.

Next step: relaxation.

The same article mentions these asanas or postures to induce calming and to help reduce allergies and asthma by massaging "various parts of the spine and the thoracic cage and condition the lungs"

standing poses
forward bends
backward bends
twists
inversions (shoulderstand and plow) - help "clear the upper respiratory tract and drain secretions from the nose, allowing freshly oxygenated blood to flow into the oral cavity."

Happy September - it's Yoga Month

noreply@blogger.com (A Yoga Mama is a Rama Mama) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 01:54:00 +0000

September is national yoga month in the U.S. Many studios across the U.S. are participating and giving away free yoga classes to bring awareness to this powerful mind, body and spirit practice.

Yoga Patch, the studio where I teach in KC on Monday and Wednesday nights at 6 p.m., is offering brand new students one free class the week of Sept. 13.

If you're curious about the effects and benefits of yoga, take advantage of this special month.

Happy September!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Listen to the song - Just Breathe

noreply@blogger.com (A Yoga Mama is a Rama Mama) — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 11:33:00 +0000

Downloaded "Breathe (2 AM)" by Anna Nalick, the acoustic version. Thought this version would be perfect to play in the background of my yoga class.

I listened to the song as I was driving to my corporate-day job and realized the chorus is a great reminder to focus on my breath or prana (life force) whereever I am. Simple yet so powerful because ultimately you're tuning into the present moment.

"And breathe, just breathe. Oh breathe, just breathe."

My little Buddha

noreply@blogger.com (A Yoga Mama is a Rama Mama) — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 12:07:00 +0000

World Market is one of my favorite stores due to all its wordly, yoga-esque merchandise, such as Nag Champa incense, which is wonderful to combine with your yoga practice or just relax to its scent.

During my last visit, World Market had a variety of "Eat. Pray. Love." movie-inspired product. Seemed cheesy but of course I bought some items. One was mala beads to help me meditate (think Rosary), and the other was a little stone Buddha statue to use as a focal point (drishti) for my home yoga practice.

After I came home with my new purchases, my two-year-old daughter noticed the new Buddha statue and asked what it was so I told her.

Later that night I goosed her bottom, and she said, "You got my little buddha." Ha, guess so.

Use a dry brush to wake up & fight cellulite

noreply@blogger.com (A Yoga Mama is a Rama Mama) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 03:14:00 +0000

Aging for a woman apparently equates to being tired and having cellulite, right? Not necessarily.

Since incorporating the Eastern hygiene technique of dry brushing within my morning regimen a few years ago, I've noticed how much more awake I am in the morning. Plus the backs of my thighs seem to be hanging in. *grin*

Like yoga brings us into the present moment, dry brushing makes me more aware of my skin, which is our largest organ. So it's understandable we should have some a maintenance routine to encourage new growth and shed the old skin cells. Dry brushing also stimulates our lymphatic and circulatory systems.

I started reading about the technique in a few of my yoga and health books and finally broke down a few years ago and bought a brush at Whole Foods. Best habit I've picked up in a while.

Tips I've picked up in various places along the dry-brushing journey:

Brush in dircular motion, in direction towards your heart
Typically takes two to three minutes
Use a brush with natural bristles
Do so before you shower so the dead skin can come off (although it's not like you see it)
Dry brush earlier in the day since it is stimulating versus before bed
Enjoy the rush of awareness and awakeness afterwords

Listen to Renowned Yoga Teachers Share their Stories of the last 35 years

noreply@blogger.com (A Yoga Mama is a Rama Mama) — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 13:38:00 +0000

Imagine being arrested for doing yoga. Apparently it wasn't so long ago where people would call the cops on you if you were practicing yoga, even in the USA. Crazy, right?

If you have eight minutes, watch this video about the last 35 years of Yoga Journal and hear the yoga leaders of modern time.

Hello, old friend

noreply@blogger.com (A Yoga Mama is a Rama Mama) — Tue, 25 May 2010 02:28:00 +0000

Makes me sad it's been so long since I last posted here. Had no idea it had been so long. Life flies by too fast these days. Wondering if I should pick up where I left off or just start a new blog?

Still teaching yoga. Still a corporate worker bee. Still a mom. Now of an almost two year old beautiful little girl.

Oh, and still enjoying life as a yoga mama.

Namaste.

Let's give thanks

noreply@blogger.com (A Yoga Mama is a Rama Mama) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:06:00 +0000

Give thanks in all circumstances. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Thanksgiving is a great reminder to give thanks for all the blessings in your life. Even if the chips are down, you can still find aspects of your life to be grateful, even if it's just your breath.

So on your next inhale, say THANK YOU and smile.

Just do it!

noreply@blogger.com (A Yoga Mama is a Rama Mama) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 11:19:00 +0000

As you can see, I haven't written a post in a while. I could blame several components of my life, including new ones taking up more of my time, but are they really to blame? I've obviously had some free moments (hello, TV?) where I could've logged in and written a little ditty, but I haven't. So why haven't I? Is that the proverbial procrastinator's question?

After doing a bit of yoga this morning, I made the connection that writing is a lot like yoga. Just like you have to return to your mat on a regular basis in yoga, you have to return to your pen, keyboard, etc. to write... and I haven't been. Call it what you will, but I haven't made time for my writing, and like yoga, it is another outlet for me to connect with my passion and my higher self. I believe it's one of my callings. So if I don't use it, I kind of lose it.

Therefore, today I'm returning to my yoga of writing, one keyboard stroke at a time. It may not be pretty, but at least I'm doing it. ;)

Have you been procrastinating or avoiding something you love? Tell me about it.

How to Meditate Anywhere

noreply@blogger.com (A Yoga Mama is a Rama Mama) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 12:09:00 +0000

By Guest Blogger Mary Ward

Meditation is what helps to keep many people centered and focused. This is the most basic form of relaxation and though it is simple, it can take some getting used to at the beginning. Many people have a spot in their homes that they like to meditate and that they are quite comfortable in. It usually takes a special designated spot to get started so that you can tune out the outside world and focus on your breathing. Initially it may seem that meditating anywhere but the quiet sanctuary of your own home is virtually impossible. However, once you get into meditation and understand how you can make it work for you and your mental well being, you will quickly see that it can be done anywhere.

It’s All About the Focus
The key to meditation and what makes it such an excellent relaxation technique is that you can focus. You can get in touch with your inner self and concentrate on nothing but your breathing. Once you determine and understand that it is truly all about the focus, the location becomes far less important. If you can learn to tune out the outside world, no matter how distracting it may be, you can master meditation from anywhere. This takes some time and serious discipline, but you will quickly find that meditation can take place from anywhere that you allow yourself to truly focus.

Make a Safe Spot
Whether you’re at a friend’s house for the weekend, at a hotel, or in an unusual destination, the key is to find an appropriate spot to meditate. A spot in which you can tune out the outside world, focus without outside interruptions or distractions, and do nothing but breath. There is always a spot to do that, even if it’s in a bathroom or hallway, and as you practice meditation you will quickly see just how easy it is to tune out the distractions of the world around you. Initially though, finding a spot conducive to meditation can be quite helpful.

Breathing Makes a Big Difference
Meditation is not only about gratitude, but also about the breathing techniques that you practice. Learning to breathe deeply and hold these breaths can come in handy in the most stressful situation. You will quickly see just how meditation can help with the stressful situations that present themselves in everyday life, and you may just find that you are meditating in the most unusual spot without even thinking about it.

Mary Ward writes about various healthcare career topics, including how to choose among online surgical tech programs.

Blessings in unexpected places

noreply@blogger.com (A Yoga Mama is a Rama Mama) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 12:19:00 +0000

Good quote today from Abraham (receive the daily e-mail here). Reminded me of where I'd been that seemed so in despair and horrible at the time and now it's led me to the open house party of Yoga Patch. Without being in the car accident, I probably wouldn't have discovered yoga and fallen in love with it so deeply, now sharing it as an instructor in a brand new studio right by my house.

During a Unity sermon I sat in a few years ago, the reverand once said "horrible" events in our lives are either to bless us in some way later or for us to be a blessing. Maybe both happened in this situation.

If you're in Kansas City, hope you can join us for one of the events this weekend.

"There will be a time, not so far from now, that you will look back on this phase of your life and instead of condemning it or beating up on it... Instead of blaming or guilting, you will feel appreciation for it, because you will understand that a renewed desire for life was born out of this time period that will bring you to physical heights that you could not have achieved without the contrast that gave birth to this desire."
--- Abraham

Book Giveaway - Enlightenment for Idiots

noreply@blogger.com (A Yoga Mama is a Rama Mama) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 12:11:00 +0000

Comment about your favorite yoga book and have a chance to win a copy of Enlightenment for Idiots.

After you make your comment with your first name included, send me an e-mail to Rama.Mama@live.com. There will be a drawing of all commenters, and I will e-mail you if you win to ask for your postal address. I'll do the drawing in two weeks, Aug. 7 and will announce the winner afterwards.

A few months after having Brijin, I finally read a fiction book again. For those of you who have small children, you understand how difficult it is to fit a small pleasure like reading a novel into your life.

To multitask, I read Enlightenment for Idiots; not only was it about yoga but was silly and entertaining like a beach novel. A perfect combo for this yoga teacher / gossip magazine addict (I actually don't have any subscriptions anymore, but my friends keep giving me their old copies of USWeekly and People. What's a girl to do? It's recycling.).

The author, Anne Cushman of Enlightenment, contacted me via this blog and said she'd give me a copy of her book to give away to one of you. So tell me about your favorite yoga book, fiction or nonfiction, now.

I'm also giving the copy of the book Cushman gave directly to me away at the grand opening of Yoga Patch at 7108 Wornall Rd., Kansas City, Mo., next Friday, July 31. Read more about Yoga Patch, the new studio I'll be teaching at beginning August 10 (see the schedule).

Yoga or running... you know my choice

noreply@blogger.com (A Yoga Mama is a Rama Mama) — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:29:00 +0000

Cute newspaper column comparing running and yoga. Totally from my perspective, as someone who prefers the ease and relaxation of yoga to the anxiety and tension running long distance gives me (Sorry Dad, who has long coached cross country, but you know I can't run longer than a 400.).

Figure if you're going to exercise - and yes, yoga is much more than "just" exercise - might as well do what you enjoy, right?

Celebrate your OWN Independence Day!

noreply@blogger.com (A Yoga Mama is a Rama Mama) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:11:00 +0000

"If we were talking to you on your first day here we would say, "Welcome to planet Earth. There is nothing that you cannot be or do or have. And your work here—your lifetime career—is to seek joy.

'"As you think thoughts that feel good to you, you will be in harmony with who-you-really-are. And in doing so you will utilize your profound freedom. Seek joy first, and all of the growth that you could ever imagine will come joyously and abundantly unto you."'

~Abraham-Hicks

As the USA, the land that I love, celebrates its Independence Day tomorrow, it reminds me to celebrate my own personal freedom by choosing to think thoughts that feel good, no matter what's going on in the outside world.

NOTHING is so horrible it's worth feeling bad because it throws you off your connection to higher power, whether you call it God, Source, the Universe, etc.

This week at my "corporate gig," things have been tumultuous; co-workers are scared, sarcastic, angry, mean... all of the above. I admit to letting it get to me, which obviously felt horrible. Yet, I give myself some credit because in the past, before practicing yoga and knowing what I do from teachers like Abraham, I would have let it destroy me completely and attract even more negativity. Now I know that it's my indicator this is what I don't want so now focus on what I do. It is my choice. My independence to choose.

So make this upcoming Independence Day a reminder of your OWN freedom. You have a lot of power in that mind of yours. Choose your thoughts wisely and think on the empowering, joyful, uplifting side of life.

Make Mondays Count

noreply@blogger.com (A Yoga Mama is a Rama Mama) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:28:00 +0000

If you have a "typical" work week, you're probably guilty of dreading Mondays. At least every now and again... admit it!

What if you did it EVERY Monday? That would be wasting 52 days a year or a one seventh of the calendar. That's a lot of dread, and where is it getting you? Probably into hating Sunday evenings and maybe even all day Sunday. It's a slippery slope, and is it really worth it?

What if you could find advice on how to make Mondays a little more tolerable and even count? There's a site called http://everymondaymatters.com/ that gives 52 ways to make Monday into the new Friday. All right, maybe Monday can't ever be quite that cool (Could you imagine TGIM?), but maybe it could be a decent Thursday.

Every Monday Matters suggests everything from writing a letter to a U.S. soldier to donating books to creating a back-to-school backpack.

Even if you don't hate Mondays, this Web site gives tons of inspiring actionable tasks to make your life and this world a little better, one Monday at a time. I do have a suggestion if we had 53 Mondays - try or do some yoga! ;)