Hello friends! I hope you are enjoying the holidays with your family and friends! I just wanted to pop on here to let you all know that there will be NO CLASS on December 26th 2015. Class will resume in 2016 AND we will be moving to a new day and time slot!
Curvy Yoga will now be Tuesdays from 7-8:15 (still at FocusOm Batavia). Drop-in rate is just $16! Hope to see you all there!
Apparently, what I should have done earlier was say "I'll be right back" lol I have so much I want to talk about still. Anyway... HAPPY FRIDAY! It's almost Christmas, which means I'm officially freaking out over not having my Christmas shopping done!
Honestly, I think I'm just ready for the new year. I wasn't even enthusiastic about decorating this year. That's huge for me! We didn't put our tree up until last weekend, and we were lucky we even decided to do so. We ended up getting a real tree and I'm super excited about that!
Last night was the last session of the Holiday Restorative at Shine. I missed the 2nd one because of Cooper. (I promise I am going to sit down and write soon!) This week was absolutely BEAUTIFUL though. The practice... Was hard. ALL the poses I did I hated. They were hard... I think it was harder for me to just be on my mat! BUT... Those restorative ones, also sort of challenged me a little. There were a lot of twists.... and anytime I do twists I get emotional. So, needless to say; I knew it was coming! When we finally went into Savasana, Caitlin cued us into our favorite comfy position and then set up the 'music'. It was the crackling of a fire. It's so weird how instantly I felt warmth, as though I was actually sitting in front of the fire. Then she started to take us into a visualization meditation. I lost it. I was BAWLING! So there I laid, trying to compose myself. Force myself to experience the experience and not get up and go to the hall. SO, I laid there trying at least not to sound like a blubbering idiot. I choked back tears, but they still managed to stream down my cheeks. My throat hurt so bad from trying to hold in my cry. I just let it flow, and finally I stopped.
The ONE time I wore eye makeup to class on the off chance that I'd be in pictures that were taken at a get together after class, I had it all over my face!
I needed this practice! I am so grateful I was able to go, and experience what I did. Having an emotional practice is a rarity for me these days. As a teacher myself now, it's hard to focus on ME and be on MY OWN MAT! Last night, I did just that!
I know... I said I was taking a break. But friends! I made THE most amazing cookie recipe for my cookie exchange tonight and I just had to share! I know that some of you have yet to begun your Christmas baking and SO for this YOU'RE WELCOME! haha
This is a recipe I found on Pinterest from over at Our Life Tastes Good. I did not use the Vanilla Cookie dough the recipe calls for. Instead, I ended up buying pre-rolled out sheets of Nestlè cookie dough. Believe me, I wanted to try to make it. But, with a burst pipe in the kitchen and not being able to start my baking until 11 PM, I had to improvise a little. I originally went for the tubes of sugar cookie. But imagine my surprise when right next to it was a Nestlè Tollhouse package of rolled out sheets of dough.... I also managed to score them for $1 (as opposed to the $3.50 they were marked! SCORE!). So, I laid the two small sheets side by side and pressed the seam together. Then I took my cinnamon/sugar mixture and spread that around the entire sheet. Roll that up, then cut and you're ready to bake.
The glaze was pretty easy! I followed the recipe for that, however, I had a little left over cinnamon/sugar and so I added about a tablespoon or so into my frosting mixture. I also added vanilla extract to the frosting.
drum roll please;
Cinnamon Roll Cookies Recipe
Yield: 2 dozen
Prep Time: 15 mins.
Cook time: 12 mins.
Total time: 27 mins.
Guys, I'll be back in 2016 with fresh new ideas for you!
Right now, as I mentioned before things are just extremely hectic with classes, holidays, family/friends and taking care of our sweet sweet pup who was hit by a car a little over a week ago.
Typically I blogged regular on Monday and I plan on picking that back up - and maybe even throwing in another day. But right now, I just need to breathe and not worry about deadlines!
If you want to come see me, Saturdays I'll be teaching Curvy Yoga at 11 a.m. So stop by whenever you can! Class drop-in is $16.
I realize I haven't been on here in quite some time. Super out of the ordinary for me. Life has just been so chaotic. I'll blog about that later...
Today was my 2nd week of Curvy Yoga class at FocusOm. I knew the moment I woke up, due to the weather that I wouldn't get any drop-ins. I actually was sort of happy about it after the week we've had. It left me little to no time to sit down and plan my class.
So, when I got there (after struggling to get the stupid door to unlock), I waiting the 10 minutes to see if there were any last minute stragglers and then I locked myself in. I hooked up my phone to the sound system, and blasted S.O.B while I danced it out. I got hot, sweaty and out of breath. But it felt fabulous to just MOVE an dance out all of the tension in my body. I lit a Ganesh incense and lit the Buddah candle holder with the pretty mala beads around it. After that, I let it skip over to my Savasana playlist and I laid down on the mat and just listed to the music. If you've never heard "Her Smoke Rose Up Forever" by James Blackshaw, you must go listen to it now! I get lost in the acoustic heaven that is THIS song!
After the music stopped I just laid there for a while. I let the incense surround me and watched the smoke dance under the lights up and through the vents. When I was finally ready, I changed my playlist to a mash-up I made for when I just want to sing at the top of my lungs and played that as I cleaned up after myself. After I was done belting out some Adele and had made sure to blow out all the candles, I packed up and headed to Limestone Cafe for a coffee and a scone.
It was the most perfect hour I've had in quite some time. Even though it was short, I took some time for me and some time to vent. A time to meditate and to allow myself to accept things the way they are. I prayed to Ganesha to allow me to get past these obstacles that have decided to pop up along my path. I also prayed to Ganesh to help me lock that God forsaken door. Finally, after I stopped myself and prayed, I got it to lock and went on my merry little way.
I plan on getting back into this stuff after the new year. With the holidays and all the things that are going on, I just need a breather. I know this helps me to vent here so I'm sure I will end up doing that. I just can't promise I'll be blogging regularly for a while. We shall see!
And just like that, it's December 1st! Can you believe it? Time literally flies by! It's insane! I know I say that all the time. But I truly don't know how to make it slow down!
I thought it might be fun to compile all of my favorites into a blog post. (Not that you're looking to buy for me; and in that case, I would have most likely included things that I didn't already have LOL) But things that I've come to love as I have dove deeper into the yoga world. Hugger Mugger is truly becoming one of my favorite brands! Specifically for their patterns. They have such fun beautiful patterns in just about everything. Having pretty things motivates me to practice more! So... If you're looking for the perfect gift (or gifts) for the yogi in your life, look no further!
one - Hugger Mugger Batik mat bag $34.95; I may or may not already have this. (actually, I do) Hugger Mugger has become my new favorite simply based off of their ADORABLE patterns. Seriously, I'm in love! This bag is perfect for carrying your yoga mat to and from class. I especially love the zipper compartments to carry things like my wallet, keys and or phone when I'm on the go because I HATE lugging around tons of bags!
two - Elisabeth Ashlie elastic ties $4/3 hair ties; Although these aren't what she is known for, these ties are the cutest things ever! They won't cause damage to your hair like the normal ones do. In fact; I like a looser pony tail holder these days. These come in so many fun patterns; they're great! *also check out her jewelry while you're at it. She makes some spectacular things and she is local too! Right here in the Chicagoland area!
three - Hugger Mugger Cotton D-Ring Strap (10 in) $11.95; (typically on sale for $8.99); If you seriously loathe using the strap, or you get frustrated with how short they are you have g o t to try this 10-inch strap. Especially if you're curvy; you'll notice these longer straps working 10 times better for you.
four - Hibiscus Headband (Beautiful Boundaries Etsy Shop) $8.40; what yogi couldn't use a headband? This shop has the CUTEST ones I've seen in quite some time. The patterns are absolutely gorgeous and she has all kinds of various shapes and sizes! She recently had a by 2 get 1 free sale. If you happen to check her out while this sale is going on, I encourage you to take advantage of it! You won't be disappointed!
five - The Original Super Block $29.99; Get ready for a whole lotta block! This thing is freaking AMAZING! Seriously, I can't even describe it! You can use it for so many things other than just a block! I recently attended a hot yoga class where they did not have bolsters. Using two of these and a blanket, I created my own and made myself a thousand times more comfortable than I would have been with nothing. This is probably my favorite yoga prop at the moment!
six - The Yamas & Niyamas $8.00 - $15 respectively; THIS BOOK! This book will change your life! We read this in training, and while we went rather fast through it; it still changed my life! It will open you to your core and you will become so much more of a happier; more open person. I will warn you though; the process is lengthy and it sucks! It's raw and it's emotional, so be ready for that. I'm actually taking 2016 to restart the book, and complete each exercise in the book instead of one per chapter!
seven - Hugger Mugger Meditation Cushion (also available in patterned; because why not) $46.95 solid and $56.95 for patterned; meditation cushions are the new yoga mat! Have you not heard this yet? lol Seriously though, if I can't get in an asana practice, I will at least take the time to meditate. I can do this so much better with a pretty cushion! I'm a sucker for Hugger Mugger's patterns! (clearly) so while this is a little hefty on the price tag, I promise, it's totally worth it!
Well.... Happy day after Thanksgiving (aka Black Friday!)
First and foremost, I am officially blogging to you all from MY NEW COMPUTER!!! That's right! I officially have my own laptop once again. I can head to any coffee cafe (let's be honest, it will probably be Starbucks) and I can actually set aside work time to work on the blog, and on my yoga business. I am super excited about this!!! I can't wait to update the website and all.
I just wanted to take a moment to say that I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your loved ones! This year was my Mom and Dad's first year (with us at least) hosting Thanksgiving. It was wonderful and I'm glad I got to see all of our family that made it over. I have enjoyed seeing your posts with your loved ones on Facebook as well.
I am truly blessed for all that i have in my life! Never would I have imagined I would be right where I am now, and yet - here I am. Thank you all for supporting me on my journey and for continuing to follow me on this path!
I love you all!
Namaste,
M
Yesterday was insanely busy... BUT, I've also been putting off writing this because that means it's done... My FINAL post in my "yoga teacher training" series. This weekend went by so fast! This entire time just flew by actually.
Friday we had our prenatal training. If I'm being honest, I feel like MY yoga teaching is pretty much a prenatal class now. All of the things I do are super gentle in that aspect. Some of it in fact is THE EXACT SAME THING.
After we had our graduation celebration at Jane's house. We had our spouses there and just celebrated being together one final weekend and all that we have accomplished. Jane & Steve's hospitality was spectacular! Their home really made Eric and I miss Nottingham! (Shocker, I know!)
I got to try my first Dinkel's cake too!
Saturday we started the day with a much dreaded practice; Baptiste yoga. I knew it was going to be challenging and I knew it was going to be hot. I was truly afraid of it though. I wasn't the only one who was super vocal in the fact that I truly just did not want to go to this practice. That was reassuring, but I still wasn't sold.
We parked and walked to the studio and I thought... "Great... more walking - in the snow! UGH! Seriously?" Then, Mindy opened the door to s t a i r s. THREE flights of stairs to be exact... and I thought, "Are you effing kidding me? You want me to practice this God awful yoga class, and first I have to walk up ALL of these stairs?" Pretty sure I rolled my eyes, and continued on.
I walked in to the studio space and thought "Hmm. Well... The space is pretty. At least there's that" and proceeded to take off my shoes and fleece.
I filled out the wavier and got to the question that asked about medical conditions and physical limitations. I stared at it blankly for quite some time. All I thought was "What do I write? ... Well, I fell on my knee... That's certainly been a pain in the ass in my regular yoga classes. I guess write that it sometimes gets achy..."
Then I refocused on that word limitations... "What are my limitations? Well, clearly they weren't the half block and three flights of stairs I just climbed. I mean, I'm here aren't I?"
I glanced at Eb and then took my attention back down to the piece of paper. My focus solely on the word limitations at this point.
"Limitations? Clearly, you can see what I look like. I'm plus size. That's a limitation! Because I'm pretty sure I'm not going to be able to do half of what you want me to... So, what's my limitation?? I'm fat! That's my limitation... That can't be a limitation. You can't write 'fat' or 'plus size' there. That's stupid. Why would you write that?"
No sooner then I literally had this conversation in my head (and no, I swear I'm not crazy either lol) the words 'Plus Size' were scribbled on the page. Immediately I wished for white out. Did I really just talk about how achy my knee had been... and then proceed to classify the way my body looks IN THE SAME ANSWER? Yep, I sure did.
THAT'S NOT OKAY! My body is my body. I should not feel that as a limitation. I work around it. That's what I've been working so hard for... That's why I did ALL of this!
Regardless, I reluctantly handed in the form and went into the room to get set up.
My initial reaction; "Great... they don't have bolsters... So on top of me being uncomfortable and hot, I'm going to ache because I'm on the floor." The first thing I did when I walked in that BEAUTIFUL room was notice whether they had bolsters or not. Not the beautiful view. Not the huge half dollar size snowflakes falling from the skies. Not the tree limbs covered in thick sheets of snow... But bolsters? Really?!?
I went over to the wall, and noticed they had super size blocks.
This changed everything for me! I grabbed two, then I picked up a blanket, strap and two regular size blocks. I laid down my mat. and then put the two monster blocks together and laid the blanket over them.
MAGIC! I had a seat! I sat down.
When I finally got the nerve to get out of my head I realized, the view was GORGEOUS! The temperature? A mere 80-something degrees (it ended up getting to 93 during practice). It was pure heaven being warm and cozy in a shirt and leggings and seeing snow and frigid cold staring back at me through the windows.
We huddled first and talked fears. Throwing them out, and writing them down. Then we dedicated our practice to letting go of those fears and tuning into our own body.
Eb was AMAZING! Just spectacular.
By the end of practice I realized; I may not have been able to do everything or even what most of my classmates did. But I did what I could. I tuned into my body and did what it needed... You have no idea how amazing this feels unless you've done it for yourself. This is why I decided to become a teacher... THIS is what I want to share with the world.
I have to say - I learned more about myself on that mat and in that room in the 2 hours we were there than I ever expected.It was raw and it was beautiful. The things I thought I would hate - I LOVED! Had I not at least tried, I never would have known this. It made me realize that catering to my fears and then letting them win time and time again had me truly blocking out the joy in life by blocking out the pain. Never again will I let fear define or the choices I make! I am filled with an abundance of positive energy, and I will take that in all that I do going forward!
Fear is a NASTY thing! It swallows you whole, and takes charge! If I had given in... I never would have experienced what I did. Sure, I'm not proud of some of the things that happened. But, I learned from them. That's all I can ever ask from something like this.
After practice, we headed over to Native Foods for lunch. I wasn't as impressed as everyone else was with their nachos... But their Chili... YES!!!! So so good! I also managed to fall in love with Wicker Park too. (imagine that)
Later in the evening before we went home, we also had a few Puja ceremonial things... AKA "The Woo"
Here we wrote one thing we wanted to be rid of and to let go of and then lit it on fire and threw it in the bowl. Mine was fear... I know you're not supposed to talk about it after you burn it. Because at that point; it's done. BUT, I want to remind myself. I want to share this with people.
The roads Saturday night were awful! But, we made it home. At almost midnight, but nonetheless we made it!
Sunday we started at 9. We had a lot of little ends to tie in our classroom things. MY favorite part was definitely lunch at the diner, and our closing ceremony. Mindy made AWESOME yoga guy cookies!
There is no doubt, I am going to miss these girls something awful! I am so grateful for each and every one of them. They've changed me and I love them for that!
Here is my "Mishelle, go stand over here so I can see if the lighting is okay" pose. LOL
So, Sunday we taught our 60 minutes classes. These classes were opened and offered to the public at no cost. I designed my class to be a Gentle Restorative Candlelight class and I had 7 people preregister for my class that I didn't even know. THIS FREAKED ME OUT! But, at least I can say the first is done with, right? Two of my cousins came so it was nice to be able to have a couple faces I recognized.
When I planned this and originally sequenced it, I wanted to do something more restorative than I'm used to. I still included movement on a few standing poses, and I was happy with that. But planning it this way could have been my first mistake.
THEN, I tried like hell to move away from that piece of paper! I read the meditation or readings I had written or saved. Then, I would turn to the page I needed as I needed it, but I tried to walk around and give cues without using a script. I actually was SUPER impressed and proud of myself for this. I think I did a fairly decent job doing this as well. I was off the mat. I tried to help offer adjustments. (*I'm not totally comfortable in that just yet) But I tried. I'm proud of that!
However, in doing this. I skipped completely over an entire page I had planned. The part where we got up and moved. I didn't realize it, until it was too far to back track. Making them get up would have completely derailed the entire thing. So, I kept going and added another restorative pose. There were counter poses I should have added... and there were things I think I should have taken out. I really wanted to play with Bridge pose. But, I think it may have been too much. I don't know. I had such a mixed reaction of how the class went. Of course I'm not taking any of that to heart. Live and learn! I know what to do, and what not to do next time and for that I am grateful!
The room was BEAUTIFUL! I went out and took advantage of Hobby Lobby's 50% off candles sale and got LOTS of LED candles! I do wish I would have diffused an essential oil as well though! I also wish I would have taken pictures. I didn't even think of this. I didn't even take candid shots when we were doing our photo shoot earlier in the day! :-(
I wasn't happy with my Savasana song. It played the wrong one. A couple mentioned the song being too fast for their liking in Savasana. That was GREAT feedback. I thought it was a beautiful song. While, I sat there absorbing the entire practice I just taught, I found it lovely. BUT it's good to know these things. Maybe next time I only include that in practice. Maybe the WOO song would have been okay for Savasana.
I had gone to a restorative class where they put out chocolates at the end. I really like that. It was the best piece of chocolate I had ever eaten (and it was just a Dove chocolate). I had taken an hour (or so) for just me, and I savored every taste of that tiny chocolate. I knew I wanted to offer this too; and so I did.
I've got so many great things in the works!! I can't wait to share!
Last week my position at Focus Om Batavia was made 'Facebook Official'. Here's my blurb! :-)
I also met with Oswego Park District last week!
I am so freaking excited to begin this next venture in my life! Everything is falling into place and I am so grateful for that!
**I guess technically this wasn't my first PUBLIC class... It was however, the first class I taught to strangers! :-)
I'm planning my 60 minute sequence and it's stressing me out. Time constraints are one of my worst enemies I'm noticing LOL
But, that explains why I didn't blog directly after the weekend like I typically do. We ALSO did inversions the last half of the day Sunday. So, Crow, Plow, hand stand, shoulder stand & head stand. It was hard. I was scared. I was i n t i m i d a t e d ! In fact, I almost just lost it and cried. But I swallowed my tears and just watched. I took notes. But I wasn't brave. I was mad at myself for not being brave. Not saying I had to try head stand or anything. BUT I could have tried the set-ups. The "simple" things to prepare for the pose. I wanted NO part. I didn't want to talk about it, so that's why I remained silent.
I'm still tweaking my class for Sunday. I have 2 people I don't know signed up. Knowing this is stressing me out. I don't know why. I'm excited to teach. But I'm also nervous.
Things are falling into place. In fact, that's happened since day 1 of me truly thinking of doing this.
That's all I've got for now....