access personal power & peace through yoga
Click here for my latest yoga video on my YouTube Channel. No downward dogs in this yoga class. Move and breathe slowly, release tension in the neck, shoulders, hips, legs…the whole body. For this class grab your yoga mat and as an option, a blanket. Enjoy!
Variations of Goddess Pose, utkata konasana, are sometimes called Spider Pose…but, is there a sanskrit name? I don’t know and to me it doesn’t matter. Does it feel good in my body? Does it invite strength, vitality, clarity, calm and connection to self? That’s what matters to me. It’s funny how yogis can sometimes get judgy, criticizing others because something is not “real yoga.” It makes me ask “Is criticism or judgment of others’ practices ‘real yoga’? Is it only yoga if it’s taught in sanskrit? Or if you chant or burn incense?
I know what works for me and I remind my students that ultimately each one of us is our own inner teacher. If you don’t agree with another’s practice, why not just lift them up by letting them be, and you do you? Words I need to hear myself to keep my judginess in check.
These words by Tara Brach often remind me to practice compassion. This is my intention for you when I teach and for everyone.
May all beings be free from harm.
May all beings be held in loving presence…
Filled with loving presence.
May all beings touch great and natural peace.
May all beings be free.
Namaste…
Inspired by Gabby Bernstein’s blog post titled “”Say This One Sentence to See the World Differently.” Repeat this mantra ““The light in you is all I see” throughout your day to shift your perspective, rewire your brain, change your mood.
“When you proactively see others in light, you allow the stream or well-being to flow.” – Gabby Bernstein
Namaste…
Yogamama Meels
Photo credit: my hubby, while in Maui
IF YOU CHANGE THE WAY YOU LOOK AT THINGS, THE THINGS YOU LOOK AT CHANGE.
Yoga has made the most impact on my inner-life, in the way I experience life with ease, with less reactivity and more assuredness and connection to who I am. Yoga and meditation taught me to cultivate a habit of being intentional…intentional about the energy I choose to breathe into each moment, into my relationships, into my thoughts, into everything. Sure, I am grateful for the benefits of a strong, flexible, lean body resulting from years of a consistent practice AND the transformation I appreciate the most is the flexibility in my mind, softness in my heart, release of grasping and clenching onto habits and lies and stories which kept me stuck in an experience of sadness, depression, anxiety, and anger. Even just remembering when I used to live in heightened fight or flight I had to take a breath of relief and gratitude. It wasn’t that long ago that my life felt small and fake and forced. What if you could live each moment as if you stretched yourself out fully, from the inside out, into your body, into how you wish to express your highest self into this world, into how you want to play big? My wish is that you to use the tools of yoga, meditation, breath, and awareness to habitually experience life with ease, to expand and shine as you impact your existence with the gifts and talents your highest self is urging you to share. Go inward yogis and express out. May you experience life with ease….and play big! Namaste…
My updated teaching schedule this week:
Shine out, yogis…bring your love and light.
Namaste,
Yogamama Meels
BEYOND YOGA POSES: LIVE WITH INTENTION, CREATE HEALTHY HABITS, TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE.
A New Year’s Yoga Workshop for all levels with Amelia Andaleon
Sunday January 24th 2-4pm at The Yoga Fusion in San Ramon
$25 for full 2 hour workshop – with advance registration
Feel like you want to make changes in your life but, you can’t quite get them to stick? Whether you’re brand new to yoga or experienced yogi, this workshop is for you! In addition to learning the foundation and intention of basic yoga poses, Amelia will lead you through a process of self-discovery and inquiry to bring you closer to identifying what do you really, REALLY want to bring into your life. Learn how pranayama, drishti, asana, and meditation can help you manifest your intentions, bring balance into your life, increase your ability to create connections, and help you manage stress. You will leave with tools to deepen your yoga practice in class, at home, and off your mat in your daily life. Be prepared for a gentle yoga practice and bring your journal and your open heart and mind.
Register online here: https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/home?studioid=19309
Back to Basics Yoga Workshop with Amelia Andaleon at The Yoga Fusion in San Ramon, California. SATURDAY October 3rd, 2-4pm. $20. Click here to reserve your spot.
This class is for anyone having these questions or thoughts:
Reserve your spot here: https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/admhome?studioid=19309
Such a pleasure to teach festival yoga this past weekend at the Juan de Fuca Foundation of the Arts Festival again. And, coming HOME to Port Angeles? Oh…so good for my soul. xoxoxo
Namaste… – Yogamama Meels
