Finding Strength Within Surrender

"If you don't push yourself, how do you grow?"

I first practiced yoga for the physical workout. The more challenging the class, the better. This mindset changed however after I completed my Yoga Teacher Training with Frog Lotus Yoga International (FLY).

The FLY teaching manual included a list of words to avoid saying in class - push being one of them. At first it seemed silly that a single word could have such an impact on a student's experience, however, the more I taught, the more I realized how wrong I was.

Just as I once did myself, I witness students push themselves to do more, to keep moving, even though they clearly need to rest. One class, without thinking about it, I blurted: 'Yoga is not about pushing yourself. Yoga is about exploring your Self.'

Discovering Your Edge

A student's edge varies every practice depending on what they bring with them onto the mat: their experiences, emotions, mindset, physical strains, etc. This edge is not always connected to the body and may simply be releasing or acknowledging certain thoughts.

Every practice, remain open to possibility and embrace whatever you discover on your mat - physically, mentally and emotionally.

Just as without darkness, there would be no light, there is no strength without surrender.

Find a balance between challenging yourself and being gentle with your Self and you will absolutely grow in your practice - and will continue to do so as you leave the mat.

xx

BeYOUtiful: Stop Competing and Start Loving

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"Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you." - Dr Seuss

I have always been a shy person, so I was quite nervous when it came time to teach my first 'trial class' during my YTT. As a kid, I would turn bright red and sweat profusely during school presentations. However, surprisingly, this nervousness didn't occur while teaching. My desire to teach and help others trumped my discomfort, and I discovered a confidence in myself I never knew I had.

Maintaining this confidence as a teacher isn't always easy. Of course, there is self doubt: Are my classes boring? Do I know enough anatomy? Are students judging my appearance? And then there is the sense of competition between teachers: Who teaches the most classes? Who teaches at the busiest studios? Who has the greatest attendance in class? Who has the largest social media following?

But is it really a competition between yoga teachers? Or is it simply a need to market oneself?

Competition or no competition, I've learned to focus on what I can bring to class, instead of wondering how I compare to other teachers. How I can remain authentic and positive for the students. How I can continue to learn and share my knowledge with others.

In everything we do, our greatest strength is being ourselves.

Meditate. Journal. Discover your true Self. Love yourself. And you will always shine bright.

To close, I leave you with a quote from the beautifully eye opening 'Sunscreen Song':

"Don't waste your time on jealousy. Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind. The race is long, and in the end, it's only with yourself." - Baz Luhrmann

xx

Fall Back In Love With Yoga

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" - Lao Tzu

Is your yoga practice a daily ritual? Or the occasional habit?

It has been months since I fractured my wrist, yet I only just recently stepped onto my mat for practice. I have been avoiding my practice because I am unable to do chaturanga, because I can't play with arm balances, because I feel weak.

During this time of no practice, I experienced a shift in my energy. I felt uninspired, irritated by I-don't-even-know-what, disconnected to my body - just not feeling like myself. I struggled to focus on a single thought or desire; I was feeling a little lost.

For a moment, I saw through the distractions and excuses I had created in my mind, and realized what was missing: my yoga practice.

Why Practice Yoga?

Yoga is the union of mind, body and spirit.

Yoga is a personal practice, yet it seems as though everyone is posting yoga photos on social media these days. When we become so focused on this online world of yoga, we can lose sight of the reasons why we fell in love with yoga in the first place. 

Mind

Yoga has a way of quieting the mind, of allowing you to let go of any unnecessary noise and focus on what matters.

Body

The asana practice invites you to listen to your body: to learn what feels good and what doesn't; to understand how the body moves; to gain an awareness of the breath.

Spirit

With regular practice, this feel good feeling begins to apply to your spirit - to your energy. You gain a newfound confidence in yourself; you find yourself feeling more patient; you are inspired to be more kind and there is a certain lightness in your heart.

Just Practice.

The next time you step onto your mat - whether you're excited to practice, or making excuses why not to - practice with intention.

Know that even just a few minutes to yourself - whether it be for an asana practice, pranayama or meditation - can make a huge impact on your day and your mood.

Why do you practice yoga? I would love to hear your thoughts!

xx

The Power of Practice

It's over a month now since I have practiced because of an injury.

Without yoga, I don't feel like myself. I lack energy, inspiration and confidence.

I typically don't do the asanas myself when teaching, but one day I just couldn't resist stepping on the mat and joining my students. I did a couple standing postures, then backbends, even a few downward facing dogs on my fingertips. After class, I felt a rush of energy and a lightness in my heart.

I am so grateful to have discovered yoga + the power of practice, and want others to experience the same.

New Yogis

If you have yet to explore yoga, let go of any expectations or preconceptions and give it a try.

Contact local studios and see what types of classes they offer. Try different styles, different teachers, and most importantly - have fun! 

Experienced Yogis

Starting a home practice was a huge turning point in my practice. I can't recommend enough starting one if you have yet to do so.

If you already have a home practice, commit to it. Practice every damn day. Even five minutes on the mat can change your day. 

Explore all that yoga has to teach us. Try something new, get outside of your comfort zone. Learn what feels good for your body, and what doesn't. 

Practice Makes Progress

Remember: Nothing is achieved without practice and hard work.

Everything you do, on & off the mat, do it mindfully. Act with intention. With love.

xx