Mantra Thursday: Hanumanasana

You caught me!

Yes, these posts are supposed to be on Mondays so they can help you kick off the week on a yogi note, but I slipped up this week.  No post on Monday and a random post on Tuesday...

But, that's life isn't it?

I love to write and journal and blog.  But I also like to live my life outside of a computer screen.  Therefore, I sometimes forget to write down my thoughts or snap pictures while out and about because I get wrapped up in the moment.  It is not until after the moment passes that I realize I should have gotten a picture...Also, after a day at my corporate job, staring at a computer, most of the time getting home to get back on a computer is the last thing I want to do.  (I think that means I need to plan better...) Or, it just means I am human.

Either way, as part of living a healthy yogi lifestyle, it is important to find balance and joy in everything you do.  If this means getting your blogging schedule all messed up, then so be it!  I just hope none of you are mad at me for it...

So, to celebrate the Lunar New Year (that happened on Monday), I am sharing this week's mantra and asana with you now!!  Be forewarned, this is a fairly advanced asana, so be sure to be properly warmed up before attempting.

This Week's Mantra:

The only shoes I wear are my own.

This mantra is a reminder that you are unique, and that is a great thing!  Wear those shoes with pride and never be afraid to be yourself!  Help others, but don't forget that you need to take care of you as well!  Wear only your shoes and try not to take on the burden of wearing someone else's.

This Week's Asana:  Hanumanasana (Monkey Pose)

It is the year of the Monkey in China, so this week's pose is of course Monkey Pose (aka splits!)!!  Be sure to use a block or pillows to rest your hips on if the full split is not in your practice.  From a high kneeling position, step your left foot forward, keeping both knees bent.  Slowly begin to stretch your left foot forward, keeping the foot flexed.  When the leg is straight, place both hands on the ground or on blocks and begin to slide your right leg back.  Only go as far as is comfortable and make sure to keep breathing slow, steady breaths.

Tag me in your version of Hanumanasana on Instagram!!

Question of the day:  What is your favorite way to spend quality time with friends/family??

Let me know in the comments and don't forget to subscribe in order to get these posts right in your email!!

Mantra Monday: Vira III

Hi friends!

Today's post is coming to you a little later than usual because, as you may know if you follow me on Twitter or Instagram, I had a crazy busy weekend!!

It all started on Friday evening, when Andrew and I went out to dinner with some friends.  It was lovely and great to catch up!  Then, Saturday morning I had a client for a nutrition consult, followed by meeting with another friend for lunch.  After a few hours of talking, Andrew and I went to another friend's house and had a few more hours of conversations (and yoga!!) before having to leave.

Sunday morning, we got up early and went to the gym so I could be there before the volleyball tournament started, as I was the tournament director for the day!

By the time Sunday evening came, I was exhausted my 7pm!  I wish I would have taken more pictures for you guys (I am working on that).  But because I was so wrapped up in having a good time with friends, I completely forgot. 

Any who, are you ready for this week's mantra and yoga pose?!

This week's Mantra:

This week's yoga pose: Virabhadrasana III (Warrior III)

• Begin in a standing pose.  
• Shift your weight to your right lag, reaching your arms to the sky.
• Bend at the hip and reach your arms forward, lifting your left leg parallel to the ground.
• Flex the left foot and keep both legs engaged and strong.
• Breathe 5-10 breaths before switching sides.

What did you do this weekend?  Do you love busy weekends or prefer staying home with a good book and some quiet time?  Let me know in the comments and don't forget to subscribe!!

Mantra Monday: Natarajasana

Hi friends!

This week's mantra is all about self love!  As we come to the end of January and beginning of February, we are constantly bombarded with red and pink everything every where.  Whether its ads on TV or online, we are constantly reminded of the fact that Valentine's Day is just around the corner.
Whether you are in a relationship or not, this "holiday" can be overwhelming.  I have never truly enjoyed Valentines Day simply because it puts pressure on people to buy yet another gift.  If we want to give a gift to a friend or loved one, why wait for a holiday?  Just buy them the gift and give it to them.

Instead of indulging in more consumption, I would like Valentine's Day to truly turn into a day of love.  You know how during the holidays, everyone seems to be in a better mood?  Why don't we carry that love and merriment more consistently throughout the year?!

That is why, this week, I have devoted the Mantra and Asana to love and fun.  Life is too short to be grumpy all the time.  Lighten your heart with some play time this week (see the pose below) and remind yourself that it is good to smile and be happy.  The yoga pose below is meant to lift your spirits and evoke a sense of play and fun!  The key to this mantra, though, is to actually believe it!  And from personal experience, even if you don't really believe it at first, the more you say it, the more you start to truly believe it!  I can tell already how beautiful you are!!

So...go...right now...look in the mirror and let yourself know how beautiful you are.  Give yourself some of this love and then pass it along to a friend or loved one!  Tell them how beautiful they are, and then let them know to pass it along as well!  It can't hurt, the world needs more love anyways :)

This week's Mantra:

This week's Asana:  Natarajasana (Lord of the Dance Pose)

From standing, lean your weight onto your right foot and gently bend your left knee so you can hold on to your left foot behind you.  If you can not comfortably hold onto your foot, use a strap, belt or towel to loop around your foot for extra length.  Breathe.  When you feel balanced, lift your right arm up towards the sky, then gently start to lean forward; bending at the hip.  Press your left foot into your left hand (or strap, etc.) and breathe.  Keep your gaze forward, your chest lifted, and both legs strong and steady.  Stay here for 5-10 breaths, then repeat on the other side.

 I would love to see your pictures!!  Tag me on Twitter or Instagram @TheYogiRD

Mantra Monday: Ardha Chandrasana

This week's mantra:  When life gets tense, take a break and have some fun!

We all have stress in our lives. It is up to us to decide whether or not to make that stress beneficial or harmful to our lives.  Remember, you can't control what other people do, but you can control your reaction.  By reacting in a positive way, everyone's day becomes a little bit brighter.  This week, think about using this mantra to bring some more positivity in your life by finding that silver lining around any negative or stressful event.

This week's Asana:  Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon Pose)

• Begin in a standing position.
• With your feet hip's distance apart, begin to take a forward fold.
• If you can not touch the ground, use a block or chair so you have some support.
• When you feel comfortable, begin lifting your right leg off the ground.  Breathe and find your balance.
• Next, begin to stack your hips and reach your right arm towards the sky.  Breathe and find your balance.
• After 5-10 breaths, slowly return to standing and try again on the other side.

Let me know how it goes in the comments!  I'd love to see your pictures on Instagram as well!

Mantra Monday: Sukhasana

Hi Friends!

For this New Year, I am going to continue writing regular posts!  Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday you'll be able to open your inbox and read about all things yoga, nutrition, and bridal.  To start things off right, let's get to the first post of 2016!!

Each culture has its own time for celebrating the New Year.  January first marks the beginning of the year for many countries (although I feel spring is a better time for me personally but more on that in March...)

If you are one of the many people who sets up a resolution for each year, but that resolution somehow seems to disappear in a couple months, you are not alone!  This year, I would like to encourage you to take a different approach to a goal (specifically if it is health-related).

So, let's begin with a mantra.  A mantra is a word or phrase that you repeat over and over to yourself.  It can be inspirational, soothing, energizing; really whatever you need for the time being.  I am no guru, but each Monday, I will be offering mantras that I use along with a yoga pose to help guide you through the world of yoga.

Today's Mantra:  New Year, New Me.

This is for you to realize that your past does not have to define you, it simply shapes who you are.  Take this new year and use it to become a better and more developed YOU.  This can mean different things for different people, but as long as you always keep an eye open for new opportunities of growth, you will be on a perfect path towards greater health.  If you have mala beads, this is a prime opportunity to use them!

Today's Yoga Pose:  Sukhasana (Easy Pose)

Simply sit in a comfortable position and breathe.  Take deep breaths and sit in stillness.  This pose is wonderful for the new year as it allows you to feel every inch of your body and mind.  Notice the way you feel.  Are you comfortable?  Do you feel any aching muscles?  Is it hard to stay seated?  Do your thoughts tend to wander or start making lists?  Any and all of these (and more) reactions are 100% normal.  The object of this pose is to be able to sit with them and deal with them.  Soak it all in, each feeling that you have and say your mantra.