Meditating with Mala Beads

Some of you are probably thinking, “What on earth is a Mala?” Well, similar to the Holy Rosary, a Mala is a string of beads. Think of it as a Buddhist Rosary. Typically these beads are used to count mantras; or Sanskrit prayers in sets of 108 repetitions. However, you can also find them in numbers that divide into 108 evenly like; 18, 27 or 54. Use of a smaller amount of beads usually leads to a bracelet of some sort or a shorter necklace if using bigger beads.

Why 108?

The reasons for 108 puzzle just about anyone I meet. There are many many reasons for the meaning of 108 beads on a Mala. Here are a few as defined by Swami Jnaneshvara Bharati;

Heart Chakra: The chakras are the intersections of energy lines, and there are said to be a total of 108 energy lines converging to form the heart chakra. One of them, sushumna leads to the crown chakra, and is said to be the path to Self-realization.

Sanskrit alphabet: There are 54 letters in the Sanskrit alphabet. Each has masculine and feminine, shiva and shakti. 54 times 2 is 108.

Pranayama: If one is able to be so calm in meditation as to have only 108 breaths in a day, enlightenment will come.

Pentagon: The angle formed by two adjacent lines in a pentagon equals 108 degrees.

Time: Some say there are 108 feelings, with 36 related to the past, 36 related to the present, and 36 related to the future.

Astrology: There are 12 constellations, and 9 arc segments called namshas or chandrakalas. 9 times 12 equals 108. Chandra is moon, and kalas are the divisions within a whole.

Planets and Houses: In astrology, there are 12 houses and 9 planets. 12 times 9 equals 108.

Goddess names: There are said to be 108 Indian goddess names.

Sun and Earth: The diameter of the Sun is 108 times the diameter of the Earth. The distance from the Sun to the Earth is 108 times the diameter of the Sun.

Moon and Earth: The average distance of the Moon from the Earth is 108 times the diameter of the Moon.

Paths to God: Some suggest that there are 108 paths to God.

Seriously, these are just a few. Regardless of the meaning, the importance of the beads is to count *mantras (*(originally in Hinduism and Buddhism) a word or sound repeated to aid concentration in meditation; typically given to you by a teacher or chosen by yourself.) with devotion, feeling and your utmost full attention.

The hardest part is choosing a Mala for your own personal practice. Many yoga studios will sell these, but you can also find them at places like Crystal Life Technology in Geneva, Illinois or Beadniks, Chicago. At Beadniks, you can actually sign up to make your own Mala. (You can find my experience on Mala making here).

You want to choose a mala that best suits your needs and style. The best advice I can give is to feel the beads in your hand. Close your eyes, and feel the energy of the beads. Go with what appeals most to you.

You also have the option of looking through Pinterest for Mala ideas as well as Googling the meanings of the various beads and materials. By doing this, you can use your intention of your yoga practice to pick the perfect mala for you.

As far as price, it truly depends on what you’re looking for. The type of material generally decides the cost of the Mala. I would say in general, expect to pay $35 + for your own Mala. Just because you’re making it yourself, doesn’t always mean it’s going to be cheap. The better quality of materials, the more expensive it gets. Sure, you can go to Hobby Lobby or Michael’s and use their coupons (I have). Starting out that’s a great option. But if you’re looking for something that’s going to last, it’s going to be an investment. Think between $70 and $200 easily.

Using a Mala is quite simple once you get the hang of it. You can use it in various ways of meditation, but the way I will break it down for you today depicts the old fashioned, sit down and meditate style.

1.    Find a comfortable space in your home or yoga practice area and come to a seat either in crossed leg position or any position that suits your comfort level. If you’ve got a bolster, sit on that.

2.    Close your eyes and begin to notice your natural breath.

3.    Now, bring awareness and attention into your breath and continue to breathe deeper and slower.

4.    Set your attention to your mantra or affirmation.

5.    Next, hold on to your mala beads by gently hanging the first mala bead on the middle or ring finger of your right hand. If you’re left handed and this is more comfortable, use your left. (*In India, using the left hand is considered impure, but from a more Westernized perspective, either hand is okay.)

6.    Place your thumb on the guru bead and begin reciting your manta. Each time pushing the mala bead away with the thumb and moving onto the next bead.

For mantra ideas, start here. It doesn’t have to be something in Sanskrit though. Even the simplest thing such as; “I am filled with love and kindness” can be your mantra for mediating with your mala. (Whew! Say that 5 times fast lol)

Don’t have a Mala? That’s alright! Try using a mantra and repeating it 108 (or a smaller amount of times that divides evenly into 108)

Mindful March Collaborators: Meet Ganesha Yoga Chicago + Giveaway (closed)

To understand what Ganesha is all about, you have to go back to the summer of 2008. Mindy wanted to become more active–a lonely task and difficult to stick to without support—and this was just the impetus that Jane needed to get back to some semblance of the person who long ago had run the Chicago Marathon. Holding each other accountable and laughing a whole lot along the way, they ran, rowed, and swam, but most importantly, they got back to yoga which they had both practiced intermittently since 2000. And the more they practiced yoga, the more they became believers in yoga’s ability to serve all people.

At Ganesha, both Mindy and Jane are in the 'business' of helping you find your yoga groove. They specialize in yoga for beginners, teaching vinyasa classes at a manageable pace and helping students challenge themselves without pushing to injury and frustration.

Ganesha is a laid back community where people know your name, you're encouraged to explore, and you'll never feel intimidated. Specialty classes include Ganesha Plus (for people carrying extra weight or who want a gentler class), Stiff Guy Yoga (sequenced for men, taught by men, geared towards gaining flexibility and balance), Ganesha Rx (a therapy class that improves range of motion and heals injuries), and Gentle Chair Yoga. 

They also offer workshops for students and trainings for teachers that delve deeper into adaptive yoga, yoga therapy and pose modification.

Additionally, they also offer private yoga sessions for both personal practice and yoga therapy.

Jane; pictured above in a photo taken while in Dhaka, Bangladesh

In 2012 Jane Rossi Musgrave completed her 200 hour certification with Suddha Weixler of the Chicago Yoga Center. She is also certified to teach HeavyWeight Yoga, and has completed a 300 hour certification in yoga therapy with Joseph Le Page’s Integrative Yoga Therapy. She plans to start the full 800 hour training in the fall, as soon as she is done with her Masters in Human Nutrition from Eastern Michigan University.

Mindy Hanzlik is an E-RYT 500 Yoga Therapist who specializes in helping people who are sure they don't have a body built for yoga begin and grow their yoga practice. She believes there's no challenge that can't be beaten, no obstacle that can't be overcome, and if you apply yourself, not only will you succeed, but you can have a great time doing so.

Mindy; pictured above in a photo taken while at the beach in Sawyer, Michigan

As a teacher, her focus is on "plus size" yoga, and she is certified in HeavyWeight Yoga, Curvy Yoga and Big Yoga, with training in Somatics, Chair Yoga and Yoga for Osteopenia and Osteoporosis. She completed my E-RYT 500 Yoga Therapist certification through Integrative Yoga Therapy, and is currently pursuing her 800-hr certification, as well.

You can read more information about the wonderful power ladies behind Ganesha Yoga & Adventures in Fitness here.

Additionally, you can also find them on Facebook & Instagram by following the links below.

Each week Jane & Mindy will be sharing content they've created in Mudra Mondays where each week we will explore a new, mindful Mudra to practice.

To help you along in the process, they've so graciously offered to giveaway a copy of Mudras for Healing and Transformation Flash Card Set.

You may enter the giveaway below using the Rafflecopter prompt.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Dear Future Student,

My goal in this yoga world has always been to be the stepping stone. 

A stepping stone for the one who says "I can't ever do yoga" or a stepping stone for the one who simply needs an hour of stillness. 

Yeah, I'm going to push you, but not in only physical ways. Sure some of the poses we will do may be challenging. But I’ll tell you, THE most challenging thing you can do is be on YOUR mat. In your own body and in your own mind. 

Everything; EVERYTHING in life stops us from tuning into ourselves even the slightest bit. 

So yeah. It's probably going to suck that I'm asking you to be still. To control your movement by using your breath of which you're also controlling. 

It'sp r o b a b l y going to suck that I'm explaining the pose, walking you through it a couple of times and then there is silence.

You're probably going to want me to talk.

To fill in the void. 

But guess what? 

This is where YOU come in. If you can't be okay with the silence, THAT'S where I need YOU work.

It isn’t that I’m not leading you. I'm watching. Of course, I'm going to make sure you aren't struggling. I'll even chime in to remind you to focus on your breathing and to make sure you aren't holding your breath. I’ll even step in sometimes and tell you where to focus your breath or your energy.

I'm going to throw things out like ‘Hinge’ pose, where I'm asking you to truly think about which body part is moving and when. This pose is great for your hamstrings, glutes and core. But do you know what's getting more of a workout? Your mind! 

You have to remember to inhale and raise your arm, to exhale and lower it at the same time you raise your leg, to inhale again and lower your leg and raise your arm up above your head. Then after all of that, you have to remember to stop. That on that next exhale you're only lowering your arm before you begin this whole entire sequence of movement again. 

Sure. Those muscles you're working are getting a great workout. 

But your mind… That's what’s getting the brunt of it. 

It's okay that you don't like slow yoga. 

It's also okay if you want a faster pace. 

That means you've progressed past the point of my instruction. That means it's time to push yourself more to experience the benefits of other styles and postures in yoga. To see what else there is that you like and don't like.

It could also mean that while you've mastered the types of poses I'm cueing, you haven't yet been able to in tune to your body. And although you can complete an entire Vinyasa flow sequence easily (which I commend you for), you may also need more work on slowing down and getting in tune with your body!

Please know though, in no way, shape or form did you just waste your time;  For one, you learned something about yourself. You learned what you like – and what you don’t. You even spoke up and said what you preferred! That’s amazing! Do you know how many people keep silent on that kind of stuff?

You should also know that you didn’t waste my time either. That last hour we just spent together is so valuable to me. I’ll use it to better my teaching in the weeks, months and years to come. I’ll make changes and tweak things we did. I’ll even pull things that I really liked from our time together and bring them into a future class of mine.

In that short amount of time we spent together; we both learned things! Seriously, how rare is that? How amazing is it you can leave a situation having bettered yourself, and the person you just experienced it with?

Just remember, in the midst of all the chaos, to always check back with yourself. To give your mind that work out again, and to take the time your body so desperately needs in order you to listen to yourself. 

hello, hello!

To sign-up for Mindful March go to; www.savvyserenityyoga.com/mindfulmarch (or click the picture above)

Wow you guys... It's GORGEOUS outside today! This very spring like Mid-February day is making me ache for long summer nights of bonfires, grilling and friends.

I realize I've sort of been MIA here for a while now. I've got some pretty amazing things planned coming up this March and I've been using my spare time to edit the content for that! If you haven't seen my promos yet for Mindful March (and how have you not lol) I am offering you all a month of mindfulness; all online and all completely f r e e! I'm working with some pretty amazing ladies in the area (and not) to deliver you all Mindful content for the ENTIRE month of March. That's right. EVERY day in March I will have some sort of content whether that's here on the blog or on my Facebook page! So please, go sign up if you haven't already!

So what else has been going on? Well, you've probably noticed my Curvy Yoga class moving throughout the week. I've finally found a way to make it work! Beginning in March I will be offering it as a 6-week series. I've gotten a great response so far and I am so excited to be able to share my Mindful March content with them too. Writing content that than correlate my online stuff to my in class stuff has been challenging. But I just know it will be worth all of my efforts; and then some.

My park district series is going GREAT! I have met some pretty amazing ladies through this class and it is an honor to be able to teach them. I really feel myself coming into this teaching gig. Don't get me wrong though. Sometimes I'll catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror as I am teaching and think, "Who is she?" and have this total out of body experience. A year ago I never dreamed I would be here doing this. Six months ago I never would have dreamed I would be teaching with no book... and no "read these as you teach" cues. Yeah, I still need a sequence. Sometimes I'll write how I want to say it. But the majority of it has been stick figures or pose names and me being IN class and not on the paper. (Mindy and Jane were totally right... IT DID COME TO ME! haha)

So that's the yoga stuff.

I feel closer than ever to Eric right now. Marriage is hard work! But it's worth it. We are taking 2016 to get back on track and back to fixing/sprucing up our home. We had a leak in our kitchen which has caused us to have to re-do our flooring. So, this is the next major project.

We've had never ending car issues it seems (both mechanic wise AND my car being hit in the parking lot at work). We've finally worked through that. Next and hopefully last thing on our list is to have the bumper repaired from the damage caused by someone hitting it while it was parked.

Our pups are doing great. I know I promised I would blog about Cooper. It's just been so hectic I never truly have time to sit down and write about it all.

In December, the weekend of his first birthday, something spooked Cooper in the yard and he took off. He was missing almost 3 days in the cold. When we found him he was hurt. He had been hit by a car. He's had several x-rays and a surgery to repair his broken leg as well as a skin scraping to re-grow the dead tissue on his belly and is finally now back to the spunky little puppy we once knew. Perhaps even spunkier; if that's even possible. We're glad to have him back! He definitely completes our little family.

So yeah. It's really just been us rolling with the punches of life and me getting used to becoming a yoga instructor. 

After March, I definitely plan on getting back into a regular schedule. I'm still working out the kinks in that. It will all come together though, I have no doubt about that.

I hope you all are having a wonderful start to your year.

We'll chat soon!

PS. Have you heard the 'new' Mumford & Sons? Ok, it's not new... It came out in 2009... But holy cow! I heard a song last night at yoga and I've been in love ever since. I am working diligently into incorporating their album into my yoga. I'm loving the songs but more importantly the words of those songs. 'Sigh No More', 'Awake My Soul' and 'After the Storm' have been on repeat since last night's yoga class.

b l e s s e d

In life there are always people who come and go. They usually have some sort of purpose or meaning as in the end; you learn something each time someone comes in and each time someone exits your life.

Then there are those who come into your life, like a beautiful storm. They uproot you - in the most powerful p o s i t i v e way. In a way you've been longing for without actually knowing it. They change you. I met Caitlin when I was first starting Yoga. Quite honestly, if I didn't have her as a teacher I truly don't think I would have fallen in love with Yoga as much as I have. Everything about Caitlin is beautiful. She just has this way with people and it's amazing. I am so grateful that we have also become good friends in this life and I seriously cannot thank her enough. She has believed in me when I didn't. She's encouraged me when I needed it, and she's listened to me when I've asked. She is by far my greatest inspiration not just in my Yoga journey, but in life!

Quite a while after my practice started, she began suggesting I check into a teacher training program. At first, I thought; (and even called her) crazy! But as I began attending more than just her Yoga class, it started to click. I needed to do this. I needed to offer what I was looking for in a Yoga class. Because I knew people like me were growing discouraged.

It was her I went to when I felt lost and needed that last little nudge; and it was her I went to when I first got accepted into training! Not only was she ecstatic for me to begin training; she also began developing a plan for me. And this was where I really realized; "Man. I am so freaking blessed to have someone like her in my life."

A couple months after I was accepted at Ganesha, she approached me with this amazing idea. She was going to take a break from teaching over the Summer (which of course was a major bummer for me - but I understood). But while she did that, she still wanted the studio to offer Plus Size Yoga. This time it would be offered as a drop in; with rotating teachers.

She had mentioned to the studio owner about asking me to student teach a class. She would help me sequence it and it would be a start to my training so to speak. I remember just staring at her in awe. I couldn't believe this was actually happening.

In the short time I've known her, my husband and I have become great friends with her and her husband. We've hung out at parties with her HUGE awesome family and I've watched her grow into a beautiful loving mother to the most handsome baby boy. I so truly blessed and eternally grateful that God brought her into my life. I can't even imagine my life (or even beginning this Yoga teacher training for that matter) without her at this point.

I will never ever be able to thank her enough for what she has done for me.

You can go check out Caitlin's Facebook page - Plus Size Yoga here. She offers classes as a series at Shine Studio in Batavia.

My Yoga Journal

Well into my 2nd series of Yoga classes, I began keeping a Yoga journal.. I wouldn't write in it every time. But occasionally I was experiencing things and I wanted a place to keep everything. I wanted to be able to remember and look back on some of the things that were happening. Not only that, but I'm a HUGE believer in everything that happens having some kind of meaning or connection. So, I would try my best to search the meaning of what was happening too. This was also the peak of my whole questioning everything phase. Things that I wanted weren't happening for me. Instead they were happening for everyone else, and I couldn't figure out why I was left out of God's plan at the time.

I had a rather interesting Savasana one evening, and after talking with my instructor; she urged me once again to really start to write these things down.

So, I ventured to Target, bought a journal and began to document my journey.

Inside I would document everything I experienced, and then either at that time or later on, research meanings behind certain things.

I would see a lot of these things come back to me in later practices or in every day life. Some things would just correlate to what I was thinking or feeling at the time and some  just went left unexplained.

It essentially became my Yoga diary!

I actually just noticed this too! The entry above was the FIRST entry. It was the sole reason on why I wanted to start a journal. Later on the following year,  I attended a Peace Meditation/Vigil that ultimately was the beginning of my what I'll call "series of fortunate events" that lead me to decide on being a yoga teacher. During that meditation, one of the mantras was "Om Namah Shivaya". When I read that last night, I immediately got goosebumps!

I also found myself adding things I found inspiring or pieces of information I wanted to save to the back of my journal.

Mara Glatzel is SO inspiring! I suggest venturing over to her website and signing up for her weekly love notes!

When I was set on the teacher training program, I began saving every piece of anything I came across that inspired me. I wanted to be able to refer back to it upon planning my own Yoga classes. Thus my Yoga binder was born!

You'll notice it is QUITE thicker than my journal. I have not only pieces that I've saved on the history of yoga; but poems, quotes and writings that I'll dedicate to future Savasana's or class themes.

My Yoga notebook has taken the back burner to my binder. But, once I rediscovered it, I remembered why I loved having it so much. There are things that I wish I had written in there. Things that maybe I'll end up adding just to make it complete.

The beautiful thing about it is you can stop and begin again whenever you'd like. Maybe you're not feeling things in your practices. Maybe you need a break. Take it and come back to it when you're ready. It's always there when you want to record your next moment. It doesn't have to be an actual notebook. Start a word document or folder on your computer to journal your practices. Maybe you'll even be brave and start blogging about them.

Truly though. I wish I had taken my Yoga instructors advice sooner on starting it. So many times we go through the day to day not noticing the small things. It's nice to be able to have something that's my own to reflect upon.

7 Essentials For The New Yoga Student!

The above is an image I created for my Shabby-Savvy Maven blog. I've since quit blogging under that name, but you may still find some of the things I wrote interesting. This was my take on a "beauty and DIY" blog. But, it didn't take off; and I didn't have near as much passion as I do here!

I went ahead and compiled a list of my 7 essentials for any new yoga student. Whether it be for at home practice or to bring with you to your yoga practices;

1.       Strap – I am still in search of the PERFECT strap that works just as the ones in my actual yoga studio do. I find the ones that I’m finding are too thin for me or are too short. I’m sure it is that I am not looking in the right place. I found mine at Dick's Sporting Goods. My next strap will be from the Yoga Accessories website. These seem super similar to the ones I have in class.

2.       Blocks – You can find these cheapest probably at Five Below. They work the same and are also structured the same. I’ve seen these range at other stores from $10-$20 depending on the size and brand.
 

3.       LIP BALM – I particularly am in love with my Rosebud Salve Strawberry Lip Balm, but I also always keep a Burt’s Bees on me. I've always got Burt's Bees on me! It's an obsession!
 

4.       Yoga Bag – Or gym bag I suppose. My absolute FAVORITE is this bag from Thirty-One. I actually have it in this print too! When I ordered mine, I embroidered “Here for Savasana” on the front. (It gets me a lot of laughs!) My yoga mat fits perfectly on the back of the bag. There’s a spot for my stinky shoes… AND when I’m wearing earrings, or even traveling with them, there are even holes for you to pin them to! I am SO in love with this bag! I'm not sure that it is still available. My advice to you is to find a yoga bag that you LOVE!
 

5.       Hair ties – DUH!!! (trust me, you'll thank me later!)
 

6.       Yoga Mat –  You can find these cheapest (and sometimes cutest) at Five Below. I feel the quality is more or less the same as what you'd find at Target, WalMart or even some Yoga Accessories at a fraction of the price. Most of the time the print are even prettier! But if you would rather get an “official” sport store yoga mat, that’s fine too… Expect to pay between $30 and $200 depending on where you go and what kind of mat you get. My suggestion would be to hit up your local Marshall's or TJ Maxx if you're looking at investing in a "pro" mat.
If you go around January (or the time when gym and work out gear tend to be 'in season') you'll find lots of Manduka and Jade mats for a fraction of the cost. Last January, I got my purple Jade mat for $49.99 (as opposed to the $80 retail cost). Just do your research and be on the look out at all times for good deals!
 

7.       Water bottle – You don’t always realize how intense yoga can be vs. working out at the gym. You can sweat just as much, and need to replenish your body just as if you were working out on the treadmill or elliptical at the gym. You’re just working your muscles in different ways. Most yoga studios offer water complimentary, BUT some require you to bring your own bottle.

And there you have it… my 7 essentials for any yoga beginner!

Please, don't be afraid to integrate these things into your classes or home practice! In fact, I'd love to hear how you're doing just that. Shoot me an email or leave me a comment below!

Namaste,

M

Sequencing Part 1

Today I met with Caitlin to go over my very first sequence. In the subsequent weeks prior, I have been actively researching and planning for my first class. You could say my training is a little different than what you typically see. I am actually teaching a class prior to my training. I know. I always get that look of confusion from people. "You're teaching, before you're certified? How is that possible?" Yoga training is quite a bit different than say; becoming a doctor, an EMT or even being a school teacher. However, the similarities between all of these things is the requirement for on the job training. Typically, you'll most predominately recognize this as being an intern or in terms of teaching; a student teacher. This is the same concept. Except my experience in yoga also counts as me becoming a teacher. I've learned what I want to include and what I don't and 9 times out of 10, I know what the Sanskrit word for the pose is as well as the benefit of the pose.

But the reason I still need to go through the training is to be able to dig deeper. Why is it affecting these muscles or areas of the body. WHY am I doing THIS pose after or before THIS pose?

So, this is what I'm learning now.

Caitlin approached me a few months ago with the idea of me student teaching a class that she would help me sequence and plan. We would take lots of time to go over it and it would also be a "self-teaching" moment for me. I accepted this challenge with open arms. I mean, who has the opportunity to have this cool experience? It's rare, and I am so eternally grateful to not only have her guidance but her faith in me as a Yoga teacher.

After researching and reading different sequences online, I bravely began composing my class. My first intention was to make those that were attending my class fall in love with yoga. Of course, this isn't always the case for everyone. So, I wanted everyone to walk away feeling renewed, refreshed and intrigued.

I actually centered my practice around Tree pose. (inspiration from a photo I took in Curvy Beloved) But, after I finished the draft of my sequence I later realized I never even included it. I'm thankful I didn't. I think it would have been to hard to start with. I brought my sequence to Caitlin's and we went over it dividing my poses in to YES, NO and MAYBE. From there, we restructured. I had great bones to the class. But there were some things that didn't make sense, and some things we decided to add to help the flow and to give options in case we blow through the poses I had planned.

I never truly realized how much time and energy goes into sequencing a class. I went into this thinking, yeah; someday I'd love to do this and this alone to; maybe I was right in thinking of it just as a hobby. I love Yoga so much, I don't ever want to get burnt out. I don't ever want to resent it.

You can totally tell when a teacher just throws stuff together and when they've taken the time to fully map out their class. It's those classes that help you dive deeper than just the physical movement. It's THOSE classes in which I want to offer.

When it all boils down, it isn't just picking poses that seemed to correlate and going with it. It's picking a PEAK pose, and then structuring your class around it to warm up the body and then release and help loosen those muscles we used even more. Not until we flat out make a list of what strengths and what flexibility is needed for my peak pose did I understand this. Then, everything else seemed to fall into place. There really was only 1 or 2 poses we got rid of completely. Then we added 3 or 4 more based on my deciding warrior would be the peak. The majority of my class had ended up being heart openers. This was extremely interesting to me because I had even chose a reading for Savasana that was based on the heart. This was my intention from the get go. But I just didn't have enough faith in myself that I was doing it correctly.

So, right now - It's safe to say I'm okay with offering select classes. But my goal is and always will be to make Yoga accessible to anyone who wants it. Regardless of their age, body type, mental capacity or financial situation.

My next steps are to practice my sequence for the next 8 days; every other day. Starting out just doing it, and then making mental and actual notes on how I feel during the poses.

but why?

The other night I was out at a bar with some friends and some of us were a little more under the influence than the others - sure. In all honesty, I had a stressful day, and I really just needed to unwind, have a drink and have some fun. So anyway, there we are laughing and carrying on and trying to make small talk when I get slapped in the face with this question; do you think your weight will hinder you getting a job in a studio.

I've always thought about how I'd answer this. But I never expected to be hit so off guard with it. It never really occurred to me that some people may think I'm getting my yoga certification and wanting to apply at a place like LA Fitness, or Corepower... somewhere where though it's a gym, and you're supposed to "work on getting in shape", it's still mainly geared towards those with a thinner figure. I'm most definitely not wanting that. My soul purpose in getting my certification and wanting to spread my yoga with the world is because I believe that Yoga can truly be for anyone.

I've also been asked, "Why Yoga? "What is the point? Is it to loose weight? relax? be more flexible?"

Oh, and then there's my favorite. The point people try to make of it being an Eastern religion thing, and I'm not following my path to God through Jesus Christ. Really?

Honestly, I really think the best way to answer is to explain to you that Yoga truly means different things to different people.

Of course going into it, I was always curious. But again, that "you have to be thin to do this" mantra kicks in and it truly hinders not only someone who's body type is bigger, but someone who may have injuries and can't move in certain positions - or heck; even move off of the chair.

So, of course I was afraid to try it. I remember browsing online, trying to find something to help me. There was little to none. Literally THE only thing I found, was a class that a friend had talked about which was already full, and Anna Guest-Jelley's Curvy Yoga. That's it! And I'll tell you what... That's some serious slim pickings!

Now that I've had experience through those two, finding body positive websites and gatherings has been a lot easier. This community is also growing, which is also making it somewhat easier to find things. But I think back to that first I time I wanted it, but couldn't find it - and I WANT to be someone's option. Not only that, but I want to be able to give someone that option! 

And now I'm seeing stories where people are complaining on the simple fact of having "fat-yoga" or other select Yoga classes for different body types. You think I'd be where I'm at now had I not gone to a Plus-Size Yoga class? I don't. I would have hated it. I know it. I went into it afraid, and not knowing what to expect, but do you know what I learned from that?

IT'S OKAY TO BE AFRAID!
It's okay to try something new! It's okay to step outside of your comfort zone.
IT IS!

Most people don't just do that though. So there HAS to be that option. That door to open to new possibilities... and THAT'S where I come in!

Never in a million years would I have imagined feeling how I do about yoga. It was truly this liberating experience for me. And I remember on day one thinking, "God, I have to find a way to share this!"

The beautiful thing about yoga and it's many many meanings is no matter what type of class you take. Whether it's a Restorative, a Vinyasa Flow, Bikram, Pranayama, etc., the true purpose of any yoga is to put YOU first. To build strength in your mind AND body and to create awareness and harmony not only in your practice, but in your every day life.

As for the religious part. Sure. You're right. It can be religious. But isn't that also what's so beautiful about it? It's creating life within yourself. It's opening you up to new possibilities. It's helping you build strength, stamina and balance. It's helping you love not only the world, but it's turning that love inward. Forcing you to love and accept yourself - "flaws" and all. It's all of these things; and it morphs so beautifully and so flawlessly into the other like the threads of a beautiful fabric.

I was so lost when I started this. When it comes to my relationship with religion and God, I still am to an extent. I went through a period where everything I was taught to believe was being questioned. That was and IS really hard for me to understand. But in my practice, I've found I've grown closer to not only God, but to myself.

That's what I was lacking before.

ME!