Lululemon, Fashion Island

563 Newport Center Drive
Newport Beach, California, 92660
tel: 949-644-YOGA

Apologies for the long delay between posts these days.  I’m in the middle of finals and therefore, free time is limited.  I did receive this interesting blurb from the folks at Yoga Journal today that I thought was very interesting and appropriate, and therefore, a good thing to share.

“Aside from lending visual and symbolic appeal, many of the holiday herbs historically used to ring in the season have medicinal benefits as well. No matter what holiday tradition you celebrate this winter, chances are you’ll incorporate a fir tree, a potted poinsettia, or other significant plants in the festivities. Aside from lending visual and symbolic appeal, many of the holiday herbs historically used to ring in the season have medicinal benefits as well.”

Check out this great article by Brigitte Mars on Yoga Journal online.  And I do hope you’re all having a wonderful holiday season!

Today’s tip indirectly guides you to healthy living.  I have NEW rates and because they are lower than the previous rates you can take MORE classes which will in turn, make you more healthy!  $20 per person for in-home, 1 hour & 15 min. sessions for small groups and $65 for a 1 hour & 15 min private lesson.  Yoga in the comfort of your own home can be wonderfully relaxing, not having to deal with a commute or other people’s crazy energy!

Contact me today if you would like to chat more and/or set something up!

For your review today a list of the most important fruits & veggies that you should be consuming in an organic fashion.  (”Organic fashion” is a fancy way of saying buy & eat these produce organic!)  This is not the post that goes into why organic is better than non-organic, as I will save that for another day.  Instead, this is the quick and dirty list.  Here goes…

Veggies & Fruits containing the highest level of pesticides — BUY THESE ORGANIC (when you can)

• Apples
• Bell Peppers
• Celery
• Cherries
• Grapes
• Nectarines
• Peaches
• Pears
• Potatoes
• Red Raspberries
• Spinach
• Strawberries

Now, if you’re trying to save some cash (and who isn’t these days), here is the list of…

Veggies & Fruits containing the lowest level of pesticides

• Asparagus
• Avocados
• Bananas
• Blueberries
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Corn
• Kiwi
• Mangoes
• Onions
• Peas
• Pineapples

You can print out this lil’ list and throw it in your back pocket when headed to the market.  What a handy tool to keep a healthy body & pocketbook, eh?

For this lovely Monday, I give you my top five yoga poses for the month of November:

1.)  Fallen Leaf (seems very appropriate)  — please note that the link shows a traditional child’s pose with arms next to the legs.  Fallen leaf is another name for extended child’s pose.

2.)  Tree Pose (again, spot on for the Fall)

3.)  Extended Side Angle pose (awesome strength builder & opener of the entire side body)

4.)  Pigeon (okay, not so symbolic, but fabulous for really getting into those hips)

5.)  Supta Baddha Konasana (i.e. reclining butterfly)

Add in a couple of sun salutations to warm up at the start and you’ve got yourself a nice little routine for the day.  Hit me back if you have any questions or would like tips on any of these asanas.

P.S. Thanks once again to Yoga Journal for the great demos!

Take as long as you need.

And when you’re ready, blink your eyes open, wiggle your toes and your fingers, stretch long and tall and get ready for a great weekend ahead of you!

P.S. Thanks Yoga Journal for the great demo!  (See link from “savasana” above.)

So what’s happening great during your Wednesday?  And what really cool thing will happen on Thursday?  And Friday?  Amazing things happen each and every day of our lives… we just need to be aware of them and grateful.  I took five minutes to breath and clear my head.  I saw a killer sunset.  I ate a hot fudge sundae.  So many great things… where will you possibly begin?

So without further ado, I present to you your first tip.  Drum roll, please…

Breathe.

What other advice would a yoga teacher give, right?  I speak the truth.  Aside from keeping you alive, a strong, healthy breathing routine can help your body heal faster, lower blood pressure, increase immunity, relieve stress and make you feel a whole heck of a lot better than short, spasmy breaths.  We take in air about 20,000 times a day (thanks, Real Simple, November 2009 edition) so why not do it right?  Here’s how it goes –

On the inhale, slowly draw air deep into your lungs.  Let the air go into your abdominal region letting you tummy area expand. (That’s right Orange County, stick your belly out!) Take the full breath until no more air can go in.  Now, start your exhale by letting your belly contract, followed by your ribcage allowing the air to flow slow and steady out your nose.

As you pay attention more to your breathing technique, the good stuff will come naturally without so much thought.  It will be a habit that you will be happy not to shake.

Go to it, my friends… breath away!