Spring Sun Salutations
There’s nothing like ushering in a new season by shaking off the cobwebs with a few sun salutations. The tradition of practicing sun salutations is meant to honor the sun, our source of life and light. It’s a beautiful way to warm up the body, increase the flow of prana (a.k.a. life force energy), and honor the shift from winter to spring—or any season for that matter! Sun salutations are also known as “Surya Namaskar” which translates to “sun” (surya) and “to bow to” or “to adore” (namaskar). So what sun salutations should be practiced? Luckily, there are many variations on this ancient spiritual tradition.
What Yoga Teachers Want You to Know
Going into a public yoga class can be intimidating. Luckily, great yoga teachers can make you feel welcomed even if you might not know know all the poses or philosophy in yoga. Even experienced yoga practioners might wonder what yoga teachers are thinking as they walk around the room. So here’s some insight on what yoga teachers REALLY want you to know!
We’re not concerned if you can’t touch your toes
We don’t mind if you can’t touch your toes, or if your hips are tight, or you can’t balance very well.
7 Signs You’re a Yogacara Yogi
If you’ve practiced at Yogacara Whistler before, you know we like to do things a bit differently. It’s the little things that make your practice so special. So how is being a Yogacara yogi any different? We’ve come up with best list of “You know you’re a Yogacara Yogi when” moments we think you’ll appreciate. 1.) You love small class sizes and a “no late” policy Sure, every once in a while there’s a full class but you appreciate knowing there will always be less than 13 other students. You enjoy having your own space, connecting with your teacher, and being part of a small community
Boost Your Energy With Yoga
We all have those mornings when it’s tough to get out of bed. When you’ve finally rolled out of from under the sheets you might feel like you need caffeine. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a hot cup of coffee or tea, but when you start to crave it just for the caffeine buzz you have to wonder how your energy levels are doing. Here are some great tips for boosting your energy to keep you alert throughout the day. 1.) Try Breath of Fire Kundalini yogis know what’s up when it comes to breath of fire.
Restorative Yoga to Let Go of Stress
If you’re looking to calm your nervous system and let go of stress, look no further: restorative yoga is the practice for you. One of the best things about restorative yoga is its ability to heal, relax and renew. This powerful effect is brought about by the longer, supportive holds in each pose while being in a comfortable space. These elements, along with the meditative aspect of restorative yoga, brings about the nervous system’s relaxation response a.k.a. the parasympathetic response. Here are some restorative yoga poses for your practice to reduce stress in your life.
The Magic of Hip Openers
You may have heard the term “hip openers” in a yoga class, but what does this really mean? The idea of practicing hip openers can actually mean a lot of different things in a lot of different places. The literal hip joint is located where the femur meets the hip socket, or acetabulum, in the pelvis. Many of the hip openers refer to the areas around this joint and the pelvis. First we’ll breakdown where this is actually happening and what shapes to focus on so hip openers can benefit your practice.
Chakra Balance for Skiing & Snowboarding
When each chakra is functioning normally it results in a happy, healthy, fully functioning person. There are so many situations where the chakras come into play, and life on the snow is no exception. Finding balance in the energy of each chakra can help you prepare for your next day on the slopes.
Unsure of what a chakra is? Simply put: they’re energy centers in the body that affect health and well-being. The 7 chakras have corresponding colors, emotions, intentions, organs, and spiritual states.
How to Improve Your Down Dog
Down Dog is considered one of the yoga poses that creates a solid foundation for nearly any practice. It’s one you’ve probably seen countless times in different yoga sequences. I remember going to classes and yoga teachers would say it was a “resting pose” but how people interpret this shape can be wildly different. I laughed the first time I heard that one since I found it so challenging!
Things To Do This Fall in Whistler
Fall is such a beautiful time of year in our small mountain town! Whistler has so much to offer throughout the year and fall is no exception. Despite shoulder season slowing things down, there are still many fun things to do. Stop in for Tea! There are lots of great spots in town to sip on a hot cup of tea while it gets colder outside. Getting nice and cozy in a local cafe doesn’t just feel good, it’s good for you! Time Magazine cites that tea’s health benefits are derived from their polyphenols (an antioxidant) and phytochemicals. Looking for more reasons to love tea?
Living Life with Abundance
The creative process involves evoking the right side of our brain where we conspire with the abundance of the universe. Sitting down to meditate is an important steps for me as a writer, yoga teacher, and business woman. Another ritual I preform every morning before approaching my list of ‘work’ is to turn on the diffuser, and choose the oils that will support me throughout the day. This morning I choose Frankincense because I wanted to feel my best, and vibrate in harmony with the universe’s abundance. I also added a splash of Grapefruit to the essential oil blend in order to evoke love and acceptance.
