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Dec122014

Grounding Yoga Poses

Recently, I’ve been trying to get more into Yoga. My body feels stiff and I can’t even touch my toes anymore. I knew it was time to get back into the practice that has given me so many benefits in the past. So, with GaiamTV, I’ve been getting back into it. I try to practice at least once a week. I can feel the monumental difference when I do it. Not just body-wise (though my hips are so very happy), but mentally as well. Yoga and meditation are wonderful tools for getting through life and learning to roll with the punches. It’s good to just breathe. After stressful work days or crazy weekends, I find it incredibly helpful and soothing to practice grounding yoga poses. These are yoga poses that will help ground you into the earth and away from your stress and chaotic energy. Though the entire list would take many posts to explain, I chose three that I find fundamentally grounding.

1. Pigeon pose. This is an incredible hip opener. It’s a very slow pose and it should be taken gentle, though it may feel intense. Start on all fours. Bend one knee and drape the leg in front of your body and stretch the other leg behind you. Slowly move down towards the mat, eventually resting your forehead on the mat when you can. Remember to take this slow and gently, as it can be very intense in your hips. Angle your leg as needed to compensate for flexibility or sore areas. Hold for as long as comfortable and switch sides.

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2. Dragon pose. This one is newer to me, but as soon as I started practicing it, I fell in love with it. It is such a wonderful opener for the hips, legs, glutes, and more. It’s like the body drinks up the benefits its reaping from this pose. For this one, start in a lunge position with one leg next to your hands on the mat, and the other leg back, knee down. If you’re able, go down to your forearms. If that’s too much for now, stay on your hands. Hold for as long as comfortable and switch sides.

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3. Reclining hero pose. This one is a wonderful stretch deep in your quads. Everyone will be at a different level here. Start by kneeling. If this is hard on your knees, try putting a blanket under them, or it simply may not be right for you. Drape your arms behind you and slowly start laying backwards, with your knees folded below you. Go as low as you’d like, whether that’s a few inches or all the way to the floor. Stay as long as is comfortable. This is another slow, gentle pose.

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Those are some of our favorite grounding yoga poses. Do this when you feel the need for grounding and calm. Remember to breathe deeply through each of these poses. Don’t rush them, take your time. Try to feel every part of your body as you ease into these poses. Treat your body and let it flourish! Remember to be sensitive to any ailments your body may be under at the time–sore knees, hips, and so forth. You never want to hurt yourself by pushing too far or doing something poorly for your body. Use these poses to help ground yourself and give your hips what they deserve! And as always, stay hungry and fit!

BONUS KITTY PIC

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Jun222013

4 Ways to Be More Mindful Every Day

In our “I can multitask better than you” society, mindfulness can be a hard thing to achieve. The American way is to work harder, sleep less, and do more. And I should be specific, do more all at the same time. When do we have time to be in the present moment–that very moment–if we’re doing 7.5 things at the same time? Where’s the breathing room? Where’s the healthy mentality? I’m working on these constantly, and am nowhere near perfection, but it’s worth it to try. Take these 4 tips to sneak mindfulness into your day every day.

1. Get off your phone/tablet/computer. Yes I know you might have a new text waiting for you, or maybe somebody could’ve just uploaded a new Instagram pic. Just leave it. For a few minutes each day, and throughout the day, just leave it. We are all starting to have addictions to our personal phones and computers, and thus, it is more the necessity to leave it alone. I didn’t even say turn it off–just step away and enjoy the sunshine without Billy, Sally, and Fred buzzing you. Do that for yourself and smell the roses. It’s worth it.

Sometimes, you get off the computer by yourself. Other times, your cat steals it

Sometimes, you get off the computer by yourself. Other times, your cat steals it

2. Listen to those who are talking with you. Don’t think you can multitask a conversation. For one, it’s rude. For another, you really can’t. Talk to my brother about multitasking and even as up to date with technology as he is, you will get a negative response. He believes it significantly decreases efficiency and effectiveness, getting the actual opposite of what we think when we multitask (and think we’re getting so much done at once). But back to conversing, listen to whoever is speaking to you. Look in their eyes, understand what they’re saying, absorb it and come up with a reply. Don’t text and talk. You will develop a deeper relationship with whoever it is, understand them more, and find yourself more so in the present moment. Which is what this is all about.

My best friend and my dad enjoying a laugh

My best friend and my dad enjoying a laugh

3. Take a walking meditation. People hear the word “meditation” and they get weirded out. Well, don’t, because you’re going to hear it a few more times. All a walking meditation is, is taking a walk and being mindful when doing so. Take a tip from #1 and don’t bring your cellphone with you. All you are to do is walk, preferably outdoors where you won’t be bothered, and turn your awareness internally. How do you feel? What does your body feel like when you walk? When your feet hit the ground? What noises can you hear? What smells can you pick up? Take all of it in. Enjoy the present moment.

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4. Do an eating meditation. I warned you I’d say it again! But this time you get to eat, and who doesn’t like that! Take a meal–any meal, could even be a snack. Eat it alone without your phone or tv. Take each bite slowly and really get into your meal. What does it feel like in your mouth? Notice the textures, maybe the different tastes, and what it feels like to chew it. Take it slowly and you will notice a whole new experience of mindfulness. Be present with your eating and you will also not overeat. Just try it. One meal. Let yourself solely focus on that.

One of our last meals together in college (Mary Kate and I)

One of our last meals together in college (Mary Kate and I)

Just 4 things you can practice every day. And they don’t take up much time and they will improve your health. We are always talking about getting healthier and having a healthy lifestyle, but are we actually doing it? Especially for your health, action speaks louder than words. And mental health is a big part of your health, because guess what–your everything is controlled by the mind! Be present, be mindful, be humble. Use these tips to stay hungry and fit!

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