Honesty

"You can't rush something you don't want to last forever"

-Unknown

After starting back at school, I have found myself drifting further and further from my once regular yoga routine. It's really frustrating, because I thoroughly enjoying doing it everyday. One major reason why I have fallen so out of it is school. I would previously practice yoga every morning after waking up, however as that time has gone back to being extremely early I can't motivate myself to do it. I have also discovered that once you stop practicing yoga regularly, it gets harder and harder to get back into it, I don't know why that is, but I don't like it!

Anyway, I'm going to try and set a time after school in-between school work to do it, and I really hope it works. Especially as I find it much harder to get into downward dog and all the other difficult stretches after taking a break ahhh.... wish me luck!

School doesn't mean you have to stop

"Prove them wrong"

-Unknown

I remember hearing or reading something from somewhere that said: If you don't have enough time for yoga, there is all the more need for you to actually do it. For some reason I always come back to this when I procrastinate about doing yoga. 

After starting back in my final year of school, I am realising that there is a huge benefit to doing yoga during the stressful time. It actually proves to make me more efficient and help me seize the day, as it helps to relax me and therefore take off some of the stress. 

Some cute yoga things

"Sometimes we just have to let things go"

-Unknown

Here are a few pictures I've found from around the web. They are extremely cute, but they also offer some inspirational yoga poses or are just plain adorable. 

And lastly a nighttime routine: 

Quick health fixes

"Love isn't an act, it's a whole life"

-Brian Moore

Recently I have been extremely busy doing things that are not blog or yoga related, which is really unfortunate considering that I was getting into such an amazing routine which I have previously documented. Sometimes other things are more important, however I am still trying to maintain aspects of a healthy lifestyle. 

Here are a few things that you can do to still stay healthy even when travelling or finding yourself too busy! Some of these things may be inspired by previous posts, but these things are so important enough cannot be said about them....

Drinking lots of water

I'm trying to drink at least 2 litres a day, which is the recommended amount of water. I also find that there is actually a noticeable difference in how I feel and how my skin feels. Recently I've been seeing these gorgeous water bottles everywhere from the brand Bkr; they're like the Queens of classy water bottles!

http://www.mybkr.com/shop/#/shop

Eating lots of fruit (And veg)

Even if it means getting my 5 a day from a smoothie or tub of fruit or veg, it's definitely extremely important to maintain a balanced diet, even away from home it's actually rather easy to squeeze in those 5 fruits or vegetables. 

Walking

Walking is a really good way to fit in that exercise, when it becomes impossible to squeeze in a 20 minute yoga session, or if there simply aren't the facilities. You can breathe in the fresh air, work up a small sweat (If walking fast enough) but also get where you need to go, killing to birds with one stone! 

Interesting yoga pose names!

"Who's to say tomorrow won't be the best day of your life"
-Unknown

Throughout my continued yoga practice, I have come across some extremely interesting things; those especially being the bizarre names of some of the yoga poses. Whilst doing routines and instructed to move into those poses, one can't help but wonder where on Earth they come from. 

Here are some of them and what the pose entails below:

Dolphin plank-

Which actually really hurts but is extremely good for working the abs, back, arms and shoulders

Pigeon pose- 

Doesn't really look anything like a pigeon but that's what it's called

Frog pose-

Actually does look like a frog, I have found is quite difficult to get into but great for opening up the hips. 

  

Cow face pose-

Doesn't actually look anything like a cow

Happy baby pose-

Actually does look kind of like a happy baby rolling around, and is a really relaxing pose

Great ways to start your day

"On the difficult days, when the world's on your shoulders, remember that diamonds are made under the weight of mountains"

- Beau Taplin

Morning mantras to start the day, because as the saying goes, we have as many hours in the day as every successful person thats lived- so why not live them to the fullest starting with a motivational morning!

Mantras are a positive focus point that can allow you to set a tone for the day ahead. They empower you to face the day and maintain a certain mindset. 

"I exist"

Repeating the phrase "I exist" is a really great way to begin a morning meditation. It also helps to affirm confidence in yourself and your own being dispelling lack of confidence and self doubt. Being non- judgemental towards yourself and setting you up for the day ahead. 

"I am powerful"

Is also a really strong mantra that allows you to understand that you have some control in the rapidly changing world around you, even if it may not feel that way. You are in control of your own destiny. Complete happiness lies in positivity and the choice of choosing it. 

"I love"

Is a different mantra that helps you take focus on the things that you.. well love basically! Brilliant when you are feeling down, as it demonstrates there things that you appreciate. 

"Om"

That's it! It's the universal mantra. Making the sound, creates vibrations in your chest. It will help ground you so that you can effectively start your day. 

"I am"

Lastly "I am". Contained inside us is everything, we are everything- which is important to remember. Experience the joy of being fully alive! 

These great mantras are from:

http://www.yogiapproved.com/om/5-morning-mantras/

Yoga update

"Stop doubting yourself, work hard, and make it happen"

-Unknown

I have finally got into the routine of doing yoga, consecutively for over a week, which is quite an achievement for me! I am noticing a difference in my way of dealing with things in my everyday life, breathing being particularly important to me. Yoga practice is just as much about breathing as it is about the actual routines. When experiencing stressful situations, ensuring that I focus on my breathing in and out through the nose is particularly comforting and relaxing, and just generally great at keeping me grounded. 

Another aspect that is gradually improving for me, is flexibility. When I repeat routines throughout the week, switching between them, I find that the poses that used to be extremely difficult, getting slightly easier- which really is a good sign!

Here are some nice yoga pics from around the web, and make sure you keep practicing!

Meditation

"True meditation is letting go of manipulating our experience"

-Adyashanti

Yoga and meditation almost go hand in hand with each other, and therefore I decided to look into it and all that it entails. The easiest way to begin, in the age of technology seemed to be downloading apps specifically aimed towards it and the concept of relaxation through breathing, taking strong influence from The Coveteur a great beauty and fashion blog I follow - here's the specific link:   http://www.thecoveteur.com/meditation-apps/ 

It gives great details about the best apps for the job. There were two that I was particularly interested in....

I've used this app in the past, before I really got into the practice of yoga and it was extremely satisfying to sit in my room doing nothing (something that I realised I didn't do nearly enough) but listening to the breathing instructions given in the session. It's a great introduction to meditation, and there's even a brilliant 10 minutes a day start up plan. Give it a go!

Anything that starts with "take a deep breath" is bound to be good. I recently, due to the previously mentioned Coveteur downloaded this app too. It's called Calm for a reason, firstly you can choose from a range of different sceneries and their accompanied sounds, one of my favourites is the rain falling dripping on the leaves, which is extremely calming! You also have the option to choose how long you would like to meditate for- from 2 minutes to 20 with the nature scene of your choice. 

Shallow but yes, extremely motivating

"To be happy, we must not be too concerned with others"

-Unknown

We're always looking for signs that celebrities really are, just like us, however un zen-like that may be. However it can also demonstrate the benefits of yoga, as a large amount of the celebrity community practices yoga and you can see the positive affect that it has on them. So if you're looking for inspiration, here it is.....

Reese Witherspoon

Vanessa Hudgens 

Alessandra Ambrosio- Victoria's secret model yes!

Ashley Tisdale 

Hilary Duff

Gwyneth Paltrow 

Who is said to wake up at 4.30 every morning to practice yoga and has even collaborated with a yoga brand

Madonna 

That's all for now!

Let yoga be the tumbling domino to a healthier life

"Joy is the essence of success"

-Unknown

After getting into a regular routine of yoga, I began thinking; Why not alter more aspects of my lifestyle to be healthier too? It makes sense that I should use yoga as an incentive to do more things to be healthy.

 Here are a few things that can be beneficial...

Drinking lots of water is a great way to start being more healthy with heaps of benefits as demonstrated below- on average we should be drinking at least 2 litres per day- equivalent to 8 glasses of water

Eating at least 5 fruits or vegetables is also extremely important to maintain a balanced lifestyle, doing yoga isn't enough to give you the benefits that healthy eating can. Here's some photogenic foods to help encourage you!

Health magazine stated that "A recent study found that four bad behaviors—smoking, drinking too much alcohol, not exercising, and not eating enough fruits and veggies—can hustle you into an early grave, and, in effect, age you by as many as 12 years."

Think about it!

The aesthetics of yoga

"Be great, feel great, act great"

-Unknown

Feeling good and comfortable is just as important when doing yoga as the practice itself. Wearing the right thing definitely contributes towards how you feel even before the deep breathing and exercises. Here is some cool inspiration about what you can wear whilst doing yoga, whether you go to a class or simply do you practice at home....

Here's what I often wear, especially as it's acceptable to wear a sports bra as a top at home!

 

A slogan top and printed leggings are perfect for doing yoga in style!

Slouchy tops are also a great option, with added comfort involved!

Or if you're feeling a little more daring- a little jumpsuit!

A glamorous mat bag is optional but for additional style and added cuteness...

Or even a bag with a special strap- so that you can carry your stuff and yoga mat at the same time- no hands needed!

http://shop.nordstrom.com/you-had-me-graphic-muscle-tank/

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/onzie-low-rise-long-leggings-

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/zella-amore-pullover/

http://www.freepeople.com/shop/siren-jumpsuit/

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/rebecca-minkoff-yoga-mat-bag/

http://www.freepeople.com/shop/mimot-yoga-tote/

Where did yoga come from?

"Wake up to your own truth"

-Unknown

 

Since beginning the practice of yoga, I have been curious about one particular aspect of it; Where did it come from and whose idea was it that doing particular stretches would have a profound effect on a person's health?

I did some research, and here's what I found...

A great deal about yoga's origin is a mystery due to the secrecy and oral transmission of its teachings. Yoga can be traced back as being developed 5,000 years ago in ancient India, which is its birth place. However evidence found on stone seals, dating back to 3000BC depicts figures actually doing yoga poses. Scholars even believe that yoga may have existed during the stone age, as specific links can be found with shamanism and yoga based on certain characteristics- which is amazing to think about!

There are 4 periods of yoga: 

The Vedic period

Pre- classical period

Classical period

Post- classical period

The Vedic period is related to Vedas which mark this period, and are related to the scripture of Brahmanism- the basis of modern day hinduism. The Vedas are the oldest known yoga teachers instructing Vedic yoga- which consists of rituals and ceremonies. 

Pre- classical period- The creation of Upanishads (Hindu texts written in Sanskrit) marks the pre- classical period. Yoga not only shares characteristics with Hinduism, but also Buddhism. During the 6th Century BC, Buddha started teaching Buddhism which strongly focuses on meditation and the practicing of physical postures. In around 500BC the "Lord's song" was created and is the oldest known yoga scripture written.  

Classical period- Marked by the creation of The yoga sutra. It is made up of eight "limbs":

Yama, Niyama, Asanas, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi.   

Post- classical- differs from the other three periods as it focuses solely on the present- teaching to live in the moment and accept the reality, instead of liberating a person from reality. Yoga was introduced to the Western world in the early 19th century and from then onwards has continued to be practiced all over the world becoming a popular part of modern culture.  

More can be found about the origin of yoga online through many sources, different information on specific dates is dotted all over the place which makes it difficult to find the main origin and the steps that got it to what it has become today. 

  

Yoga poses for beginners

"Be proud of who you are"

-Unknown

As a beginner in yoga, you soon find that there are some distinct poses that routines are made up of, often revisiting them throughout the routine. Here I will briefly explain some of them and what they look like when you do them correctly.

Downward dog or downward facing dog

-One of the most basic poses that is revisited again and again, the name comes from what its appearance

A good downward dog is vital in yoga! 

Childs pose

-One of the most relaxing and restorative poses in yoga, at the beginning or end of a routine- Its a nice position to be in!

Shavasana

- Another thoroughly relaxing pose, that basically involves lying on the floor on your back. This generally takes place at the end of a routine- a welcome break and a time to cool down

Upwards facing dog

-Almost the opposite of a downwards facing dog, another dog themed pose name!

Plank

-A traditional stretch non yoga related, basically like a push up

These are only a few of the hundreds of poses that are included in yoga routines, you can find more by just typing in yoga poses to google!