The Importance of Shavasana

As a yoga teacher I usually don't follow up my practice with Shavasana (Corpse Pose).  I always tell myself things like "I don't have time, I need to go check on..., I don't really need it, I'll chill later, etc" What I've found, however, is that I do need it. And it's kinda like I'm leaving my practice unfinished. For the past week, whenever I practice I've made myself  lie down and experience the asana. And I feel BETTER. Even more relaxed and energized at the same time. I sometimes notice in class when I get to this pose at the end, some folks are uncomfortable. I understand it's unnerving to close your eyes and let your guard down in a room full of strangers. Some people are reluctant to relax completely, afraid they may fall asleep, or snore, or even worse, be totally relaxed and fart. So they defeat the purpose by fidgeting, keeping their eyes wide open, barraging their brain with tasks and lists.

 Some things that I have learned since starting my practice years ago are:
I think you may actually be safest in the confines of a group of yogi's.It's a den of trust.
People are so worried about themselves they don't notice you and your noises.
Everybody snores and farts- EVERYBODY.
You need to take some time for yourself and relax. The reason you're so uptight? You don't relax enough!

Shavasana is helpful to you completely. Mind Body and Spirit. Some of the benefits of Shavasana are:

a decrease in heart rate and the rate of respiration, blood pressure, muscle tension
a reduction in general anxiety,a reduction in the number and frequency of anxiety attacks
an increase in energy levels and in general productivity
an improvement in concentration and in memory
an increase in focus,a decrease in fatigue, coupled with deeper and sounder sleep
and improved self-confidence

Why would you not want to feel better, look better, have more energy, sleep better, and walk around with your self confidence intact?!?

 So I'm challenging all you yogi's who skip Shavasana. Try it for the next 10 practices- at least 7 minutes of corpse pose. And then, see how you feel. It's remarkable!

BE BOLD

Take fantastic leaps towards the unknown. 

That thing that you fear?

Conquer it.

Do it.

Procrastination be damned! 

Go live your life NOW.

Take your future in your hands and make the steps to make yourself happy.

Need more education? Go back to school.

Need more money? Go over your finances...do you really need that $5 Coffee? Cut back.

SAVE! Every penny counts.

Want to be more artistic and creative? Do it! Scribble, doodle, splash color, but do it! 

PRACTICE REALLY DOES MAKE AWESOME!

But above all, BE BOLD. Don't wait for fate to deliver that special path to your door. Go out and make it happen. No more excuses, no more "I can't because..." If you want it, be positive, think and ACT.

 Make it happen. 

And 

Start

TODAY!

(IT REALLY IS THAT EASY)

I'm So Awesome, You Are Too!

So it's not always pretty, this life you live. MAKE it pretty. Own it, decorate it and live it. Open your own doors and get on your soapbox. Shout from the rooftops about how awesome you are. Make yourself happy- the rest will follow- I PROMISE.

I wear tutu's and tiaras-
So what I'm 37 and not royalty. That's in your reality. In mine, I know that I looked damn cute dressed as a princess ballerina,and it makes chores so much more fun! Stop doing what you think others approve of and do what you approve of! Now I'm not giving you free anarchist reign- we have laws and ethics and morals for a reason. What I am saying is- who made it a rule that you can't wear pink hair at 50? Who says forever 21 is only for those under the age of 21? Why- Why is it frowned upon to have fun and act a little kooky?
I could give a seminar dressed in a monkey suit and I bet my words would reach you just the same. We put to much emphasis on adult hood and being stodgy. I refuse to be of the mindset that I need to wear a pantsuit to be accepted,or taken "seriously",  make your silliness acceptable! Prove that you can be professional, efficient and damn good at what you do- even if you are carrying a Jem lunchbox for a purse. Have fun with your life- It's yours and you may not get to come back...enjoy yourself while you can.

Positivity breeds.....more positivity!
And negativity does the same. So drop the Debbie downer act. Look on the bright side- there's always a bright side if you look for it. And if you're always looking for the downside, waiting on the other shoe to drop, sad sacking it around town, or wallowing in misery...you're going to get more of the same. You are wasting your life, if you are being down and out about everything-always. QUIT IT! Your bumming yourself out, and probably everyone within earshot...booo, NO FUN.

Forgive the asshole-for you, not for them.
Humans do stupid things. Some because they're assholes, some because they're mean, and some are really accidents. Regardless- forgive them, and move on. If I held a grudge against everyone who purposefully or not had hurt me in the past, I'd have to pull a wagon behind me, my grudge would be that big. But you're not the only person that's been wronged, or deceived  or hurt. You are, however, the only one that can make yourself keep going. Release your sadness and anger- and focus on making yourself happy.

I'm easygoing- but I'm no ones doormat.
I forgive and  move on, and I release. But I'm no sucker. I choose my arguments and let things slide. But- when you are blatantly being harmed- FIGHT BACK. Don't allow anyone ever to bully you, hurt you, cheat you- or just generally screw you over. Get away from those situations, and LEARN. REMEMBER. And don't fall for that shit again. You are not a bad person for expecting respect and speaking up for yourself. And you don't have to be violent to get your point across. But, get your point across. Make sure others realize you are a good, honest, open, and loving person- that takes no shit from nobody. That won't make you less of a good person, it'll make you better.

My life's awesome.
Because I say so. Because I make it so. Sure I have poopy days, and my husband and I argue, and my kids get wacky from time to time. But those are small compared to the fact that I'M ALIVE. I get to experience something new everyday and change and grow and learn. How awesome is that?!? Get your ass out there and live, breathe, love. Quit floating through life like a ghost...don't just exist-  create the life you want and make it freakin colorful and bright! LIVE!

Love Your Body

Raise your body image with the begining of my Official 

Body Consciousness Plan

I'm really working on myself inside and out. In doing so I've been figuring out things that work for me, and I think they'll work for you too! Let's follow these together and I'll post my results monthly...I can't wait to see what December will hold for my soul!

 1. Become aware of your negative body talk. Negativity affects you inside and out, I can't say it enough, there are enough negative people saying negative things about you, don't add to it! Only point out what you do like and repeat it to yourself daily. I love my butt, it's big, and round and well; baby got back. I love it...it makes my jeans look amazing and my dresses fit awesomely!

 2. Do an energy scan- Once a day (I do it after yoga, before meditation) sit down and close your eyes. Breathe in and out with deep evenly counted breaths. Turn your attention towards your body- starting at the tips of your toes, Notice if anything feels weird, pained, or tense. If it does, place your hand on that spot and concentrate on "breathing" positive oxygen into that spot.Continue to do that throughout your body. Dis-ease can't live in a place that is oxygenated. And it never hurts to envision light pouring into your hand as well!

 3. Talk with your body image- Sit in a comfortable position, breathing deeply and evenly. Close your eyes and envision yourself sitting across from you. Notice every detail of your image. Ask it questions- Are you okay? Do you have anything to tell me? To teach me? Make sure to tell your image how much you love it. Visualize giving yourself a hug and really loving yourself.When you are finished, journal your results. It's amazing what doing this monthly or so and journaling about it, what a difference you'll read in your writings.

I'll continue to add to this series throughout the month. Let's make November POSITIVE IMAGE MONTH! It never hurts to give yourself some lovin'!