Namaste yogis!

Today's topic is something that I discuss with many of my clients and students so I thought it was about time to bring it up in cyberspace and write about it on my blog. When you have a job like me and you are working in field that revolves around the human condition, you learn pretty quickly that everyone you meet has a different opinion as to what that should be like. On a daily basis I listen to how others feel about this topic and am asked about my own point of view just as often; so today I'd like to share my "Top 5" tips for healthful success.

Continue reading to learn more

Namaste yogis!

As we continue with our cleansing journeys, I would like to share with you more postures in which you can practice at home to help you detox on a more regular basis. Today we will practice flushing our bodies toxins out with a few inversions! All you need is a little bit of space, a wall and perhaps a yoga block/pillow/rolled up beach towel/etc to support your hips.

Walls are my friend when it comes to practicing inversions! Having the extra support of a wall in certain postures can be an incredible way for us to experience inversions differently than when we practice in the middle of a room. They can help us to:

• elevate our bodies to new heights
• massage tension out of hard to reach places
• better understand our alignment in postures

Really pay attention to how your body feels in these inversions. Notice how you breathe, how you move, if you feel uncomfortable, if you have found a new way to get into your postures that is more comfortable than how you've practiced in the past, etc. Share your experiences in the comment section and good luck with your inversions! Remember, the wall is our friend! 
 

Namaste!
Grace 

Namaste yogis!

One of my favorite things about living in the mid-west is that we are able to experience all four of the seasons. Although I love summer, I am excited for a change of pace. As autumn begins we are able to enjoy beautiful weather, multi-colored leaves, earth toned fashion, boots and ponchos... but if you are anything like me (and many others) all of the excitement of fall comes along with sinus pressure, allergies and the sniffles. Today I am sharing with you a few postures that can help you to relieve some of these season-changing symptoms. 

Continue reading to learn more

Namaste yogis!

Balasana may be simple but I have yet to meet a student who has not listed it as one of their favorite postures. Personally I do not add it in a whole lot during my classes because I feel that it a posture that is best visited within the student's own timing; but I will typically add it in at least once, bringing relaxation and a few moments of recovery to any practice.

Many students may feel at some time or another that practicing childs pose is "lazy" or not "productive" to their goals. But what is eventually learned is that honoring your body with a moment of rest when feeling perhaps overwhelmed or exhausted is incredibly helpful to the physical body, mental state of awareness and spiritual self.

Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of balasana...

Namaste yogis!

We are back from our road trip around the south west! It was spectacular, breathtaking and an absolute blast but I am so glad to be home. :) Here is a break down of the trip:

• First we made our way into Colorado for the Wanderlust Festival in which I was so blessed to take class with Seane Corn and able to meet Shiva Rea, plus tons of other fun-loving yogis!
• Then we went through Utah and made our way to the Grand Canyon in Arizona...I couldn't get over how un-real it appeared. It seemed too beautiful to be true!
• Onto Las Vegas, Nevada, where even at 2 in the morning can be 110 degrees and you can still have a ton of fun regaurdless of the heat!
• Next stop is Lake Arrowhead, David's home town...

Continue reading to see the rest of the trip

Namaste yogis!

Opening day (last Monday, June 18) was a success!

Bell Yoga Studio is officially open for business. That hurdle being jumped…we want to involve our Facebook friends. 

This offer is exclusive to you, by way of Facebook!! If you haven’t already – please LIKE us – and to extend our thanks, print out the coupon (or show us on your smart phone) and bring it in to your first class. We also know it’s more fun to practice yoga with a friend, so we’d like to offer it to someone that you might like to bring along with you, too!

Continue reading for offer and full schedule

Namaste yogis! 

I've got some good news for you today, pretty soon I will be able to post new videos because I'll have a new camera! For now we are going to flash back to a video from last summer covering Shakti Kicks as well as forward jumps. These are some of my favorite things to incorporate into my classes (especially my 10:30 Hatha at the Zen Zone) and teach to my students. At first glance these jumps and kicks my seem intimidating, but if you allow yourself to tune deep within and really feel the postures you will be able to eventually float up finding strength in the core and land softly back down to earth.

Continue reading for the rest of this flash back post 

Namaste yogis!

As my camera has been broken for quite some time now (and I don't seem to have a ton of extra money to purchase a new one) I haven't been able to create any new videos for you guys for such a long time. I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to review a video from the past year in this flash back blog post! 

One posture that seems to stump students again and again is Virabhradrasana III (aka Warrior 3). Each Thursday when I teach hot yoga at the Zen Zone, I spend a good amount of time getting into the deep details and benefits of practicing this posture with correct alignment and mind set. Today I will share with you this video along with the post from this Flash Back. 

Continue reading for benefits and flash back post

Namaste yogis!

Today we are going to visit a topic that if you've been to any of my classes lately, you've heard me discuss quite a bit. The fascial tissue.

What is this, you ask?

About a month ago my friend Piper (who also happens to be a very talented and knowledgeable massage therapist) begins telling me about this "cellophane - like" skin that grows between our muscles when inactive. For example, even the loosest of gooses and most flexible people still experience tightness in particular areas of the body when awaking from a good nights slumber. That tight feeling you have, that's fascia. 

Continue reading to learn more

Namaste yogis!

This Saturday will mark the 8th session of my "Yogic Exploration" workshop; which is causing a large mixture of feelings to emerge. First I experienced sadness because I love this group of wonderful and powerful yoginis that I have gotten to know so well over the past two months - so part of me does not want it to end (kind of like a kid at the end of summer camp). But at the same time I am incredibly excited to begin my next workshop "Mindful Yoga". 

Join me for a once weekly – month long practice of thoughtful participation in a two hour session of Hatha yoga and group discussion. This workshop is ideal for any one who currently does or would like to begin approaching their practice with an open mind and an open heart.