Dec 8, 2017 |
I’m a big believer that we should share and give gifts every day! The gifts of our kindness, love, and compassion. These are the gifts that keep on giving and that need to be given to ourselves first and then to others. But just in case you are hankering to wrap up something to put under the tree for those extra special yogis in your life, I offer these awesOMe yoga gift suggestions.
Give the Gift of Healthy Hydration! Drink More Water and Drink it Safely with the LifeProof Glass Bottle from Anchor Hocking
Get rid of plastic bottles and start drinking your water without fear of harmful toxins or flavor distortion. This tempered glass bottle from Anchor Hocking is not only made in the USA – it is made in OHIO! Woot! It contains zero plastic components, the lid and mouthpiece are made of 304-grade stainless steel, and the outside wrap is BPA-silicone for additional cushion and protection from breakage. The glass bottle opening is wide enough to easily add ice cubes or fruit and is dishwasher safe. Pick one up for a gift or for you on Amazon or online.
The Perfect Yoga Gift For Kids! Play Yoga by Lorena Valentina Pajalunga with OMazing Illustrations by Anna Lang
My great nieces and nephews don’t know this yet, but they are all getting a copy of this gorgeous and FUN book for Christmas. Yoga is so good for kids, helps them stay healthy and calm, and the 20 yoga poses in this book inspired by the animal world, make the practice super fun, too! This book features super colorful illustrations of every pose that could be used as posters to decorate a child’s room. Even the youngest yogi can master the asanas, thanks to the charming explanations and step-by-step instructions. I love that each pose has an inspirational message tied to it, for example for fish pose it says, “From the fish, learn to go with the flow.”
I have to tell the back story of this book because it is pretty cool. Thirty years ago, Lorena V. Pajalunga (Swami Pragya Chaksu Saraswati) was entrusted by her master, Swami Satyanananda of Bihar School of Yoga of Munger in India, with the task of teaching yoga to children. She not only did that but also founded the Associazione Italiana di Yoga per Bambini (AIYB). She teaches yoga at the GiocaYoga laboratory in Milan and you can find her on Facebook.
You can order the book on Amazon and it is also available at retailers like Barnes & Noble.
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Onzie High Rise Super Fun Yoga Leggings!
I had a lot of fun this year in my Onzie High Rise leggings. They went with me to Bali, Italy, and the beaches of Lake Erie! A lot of yoga leggings claim to be high waisted, but Onzie is the only one I’ve found so far that stays in place above the waist. I can’t even tell you how happy it makes me when I’m practicing yoga to be at peace because I don’t feel like I constantly have to pull up my yoga pants. You can order the leggings direct from Onzie or purchase them on Amazon.
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Sri Ma: Chants of Divine Mother, Yoga Goddesses Lakshmi, Shri Durga, Kali Maa, Saraswati & Radha
My new favorite yoga music is this awesome digital-only collection of Goddess chants from White Swan Records. As our world gets more chaotic and attacks continue on our Mother Earth, I feel the need even more to invoke the Goddess presence for inner peace and harmony. This collection of 21 powerful mantras and chants to the Goddesses Durga, Kali, Lakshmi, Radha, and Saraswati will move you, comfort you, and boost your feminine superpowers. I’ve been listening to these chants as I meditate and will be including many of these cuts in my yoga class playlists.
White Swan Records has a huge collection of yoga musical artists and when I purchased this collection I downloaded it right to my phone through the Bandcamp app for instant unlimited streaming. Head on over to the White Swan Records website for details on how to digitally download and be sure to sign up for free music on their White Swan Wednesdays!
Give the Gift of a Daily Downward Dog Yoga Retreat!
Get all the details on these upcoming Daily Downward Dog yoga retreats to Sedona, Bali, or Panama on the Retreats Page.
I’ll be announcing more 2018 yoga retreats in the next few months and definitely plan to get back to Italy and Greece in the Fall, so sign up for my email newsletter so you get all the retreat announcements!
Give the gift of a Yoga Festival!
I’m super excited to announce that I’ll be presenting workshops at the 2018 Sedona Yoga Festival this coming February 8-11. This year’s festival will have over 200 intimate workshops and sessions being held around West Sedona and Uptown at Sedona’s Yoga studios and spiritual centers. I can’t wait to practice with some of my favorite teachers like Tao Porchon Lynch, Hemalayaa, Saul David Raye, Michael Cohen, and Silvia Mordini.
Consider heading to Sedona a few days early to attend the Women of Wisdom Sedona Red Rocks Vortex Retreat, and then stay for the Sedona Yoga Festival. If you are interested in attending please contact me for a special discount code for all access festival passes.
Gift Certificates
Not sure what to give? I can help put together a custom yoga gift for the aspiring yogi or experienced yogi on your list. How about a few private yoga sessions, a yoga-themed birthday or special celebration party, a yoga class-pass, yoga teacher training, or an amount to be applied to the purchase of a yoga retreat! You name it, I can put together a gift certificate to wrap up and put under the tree. Contact me for more information.
Wishing you and those you love a very BLESSED Holiday Season! I am thankful for your continued support and presence in my life and sending you a big virtual HUG!
Aug 11, 2017 |
I’m a fan of Oracle card decks that are used to provide guidance and inspiration. I have quite a few of these decks with words of wisdom from nature, Goddesses, Angels, and even my own personal Soul Coach. These decks sit on a shelf in my office and occasionally I’m drawn to one of them, and I pick a card to give me guidance for the day.
Sometimes I laugh when I pick a card because it reminds me of getting a fortune in a cookie. I may not always like my fortune or understand it, but sometimes I pick one and it is spot on and I’m sure that has happened to you.
My latest card was like hitting the Oracle jackpot because I picked the word FAITH.
The card had a picture of a trapeze artist flying through the air, arms outstretched to catch the swinging bar. There was a lot of space in between his hands and the bar, and I must tell you that is exactly how I feel right now. I’m taking a lot of leaps of faith with the international yoga retreats I’m planning, kicking off a new yoga teacher training program in Columbus, and the development of a big project on my vision board this year, all of which can be a bit daunting and scary at times. I want the progress on all these projects to move faster, to not be afraid to put myself out there, to have more time to work on them, to stop doubting myself, and to believe I’m heading in the right direction.
The mantra tied to this card is, “My life is divinely guided.”
The deeper meaning of the card that really resonated with me is this, “Faith is the foundation of the ability to manifest.” So, if I don’t have faith in what I’m doing, I’m never going to manifest these dreams. I need to have faith and trust.
The card also gave me the affirmation to be patient, that nothing great happens overnight. I am planting seeds that will manifest in the future, so I shouldn’t expect them to flower right after they go into the soil. Patience, faith, and trust.
I wanted to share my card with you because I think the practice of FAITH when struggling with a difficult or big task is one we can all relate to. We need to trust that we are exactly where we need to be both on and off our yoga mats. The practice of yoga includes the practice of Faith, Patience, and Trust.
About a week after I pulled the Faith card, I pulled another card and its message was ACTION. The primary message on this card, “The time is now! Don’t hesitate–take action! Face your fear and do it anyway.”
OK, Universe I hear you loud and clear. I have FAITH, I’m kicking fear to the curb and manifesting my dreams. Are you ready to join me?
If you have been thinking about becoming a Yoga Teacher, now is the time to take ACTION, my Healthy, Mind, Body, Soul Yoga Teacher Training program begins again at Sequoia Wellness in Rootstown, Ohio this October 6. If fear or doubt is holding you back, let it go, have Faith that the universe has called you, yes you, to start planting the seeds to manifest your dreams of sharing and serving others through the practice of yoga. If you want to read about my journey to becoming a yoga teacher (I had a lot of doubts and fears too) check out my blog post: When the Student is Ready, the Teacher Will Appear.
I’m super excited to announce that I’ll also be co-teaching a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Program with Mary Pat Murphy at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center’s Health and Fitness Center that begins November 10, 2017, in New Albany, Ohio. Mary Pat and I will be in New Albany on Tuesday, August 22, to teach a 7:00 PM yoga class and answer questions about the YTT program.
Want to take action on your wanderlust? The Shanti, Shanti, Bali Yoga Retreat next March is filling up, so if you are interested in getting immersed in your yoga practice and Balinese culture along with experiencing the spectacle or their New Year’s celebrations, please read more about this retreat.
Purification Ritual during the Shanti, Shanti, Bali Yoga Retreat
And, over the next few weeks I’m getting ready to announce another international yoga retreat and a new program that will make my yoga classes much more accessible, so stay tuned!!
This morning my good friend David Aurilio’s Facebook post appeared in my feed, and this is what it said:
A question from your friend The Universe:
Just how much time do you spend thinking big? I mean really, really BIG?
Good, very good! Because that’s exactly how much of “it” you’re going to get!
Are you thinking BIG today yogis? Do you have FAITH? Let’s take a deep breath together, exhale and let go of fear or whatever it is that is holding you back. Showing up in a small way is no longer an option – take ACTION!
Thank you, Denise Linn for the beautiful inspiration and messages from your Soul Coaching Oracle Cards!
Jun 14, 2017 |
Are you as excited as I am that summer is here? This new season should bring pleasurable thoughts about spending more time outside, lazy summer days at the beach, enjoying fresh food from the garden, and relaxing with friends. But last week instead of being full of joy, the thought of summer did nothing but stress me out. I kicked off my summer beach yoga classes which meant a complete change in schedule, concerns about the weather, and a lot of worry and distractions that kept me from being fully present.
Does this happen to you? If so, I have a quick and easy pranayama breathing routine to help you slow down, get grounded, let go of stress, and find the joy of being in the present moment. Want to try it? Follow these steps:
- Stand up tall in Tadasana (mountain) pose
- Place both hands at the center of the abdomen (approximately one inch above the belly button). Press the middle finger firmly into the abdomen as the other fingers gently rest there.
- Close the eyes.
- Take three slow, deep breaths, focusing on inhaling and exhaling completely.
After just three breaths a sense of calm and presence should prevail.
Don’t believe me, stand up, and give it a go! I shared this practice with my yoga classes last week and I saw a lot of blissed out, smiling faces after just three breaths. If you feel like you need more than three, take as many as you need.
When placing the fingertips on the area above the abdomen it connects us to the Manipura chakra, also called the solar plexus. This is your personal power center and where food, thoughts, and energy are digested and distributed throughout the body. Your ego and self-esteem reside here, so this is an excellent place to bring your hands to get connected back to the body and bring balance to this chakra.
So why does this work so quickly and effectively? The simple act of focusing on your breath will get you out of your mind and into your body and is calming to the central nervous system.
The funny thing about stress and worry is that most of it comes from things that we have no control over. I can’t control the weather or how the beach is going to be, so the simple act of stopping to breathe and connect with my core reminds me to let go of the struggle and be at peace. I did this a lot last week!
The beach looked great and people showed up for the first beach yoga class! Woo Hoo!
This exercise takes less than a minute, can be down anywhere, and is so powerful. Next time you are feeling stressed out, stop, pause, and breathe!
Sometimes all you need is three breaths.
My favorite part of beach yoga is connecting with friends each summer.
I’m sending hugs out to everyone who showed up for Beach Yoga and making it such an awesOMe first week. If you want to get outside this summer and feel the sun on your face and hear the sound of the waves as your practice, please check out the 2017 Summer Beach Yoga schedule and join me for a class.
Join Maria for a week of spiritual healing, adventure and BLISS in Bali next March!
The 2017-18 Yoga Teacher Training Program begins October 6.
Applications now being accepted.
Apr 14, 2017 |
Om Swastiastu my yogi friends! That is the way I was greeted in Bali, and it is a beautiful way to say hello and peace and greetings from God! In Bali, Om is the most important sound, and an Om starts every mantra, prayer, and ceremony, and it represents Brahma the Creator or God. I have seen this greeting spelled several ways, but the meaning and intent is always the same and done with the hands in a prayer-like position at the heart.
I’m back in the states now after spending an one incredible week in Bali leading the Shanti, Shanti, Bali yoga retreat and then another week of travel and adventure in Thailand. I’m finally recovered from jet lag, but I’ll never be quite the same after experiencing the rituals and ceremonies, offerings, blessings, purification, and healings that were so graciously shared by these smiling, friendly people.
The Shanti, Shanti, Bali Goddesses!!
I’m grateful to have some time today to sit down, regroup, and process what I experienced and start to sift through the hundreds of pictures I took. It will take me a long time to process it all, so I’m going to share a series of blog post installments over the coming weeks to share the yoga and life experiences that I brought back.
The Mountains
The view from the yoga sanctuary at Bali Floating Leaf Resort overlooked lush green rice fields, a bustling street, distant views of the Indian Ocean and Mount Agung Volcano. It was stunning and impossible to practice without my heart bursting with gratitude. As I looked out at Mount Agung and the other mountains in the distance I was reminded that the Balinese believe that the mountains are the dwelling places of the Gods.
One of the excursion during the retreat was a hike to these waterfalls!
During my morning sadhana as I stood in Tadasana (mountain pose), I closed my eyes and asked, “Is God dwelling inside me? Am I treating my body like a temple?” I stood there for a long time not only to ponder the question but also to allow the Divine to flow into me. I didn’t want to move, it felt incredible and it filled me with gratitude. I have, to be honest here and tell you that this exercise made me realize that I have not been allowing God to take up permanent residency. The Divine is always accessible and I need to let it flow freely, not just when it’s convenient or when I need something.
Being surrounded by the incredible beauty of nature all week while being immersed in the Balinese customs tied to faith, balance, and God, inspired me to set some clear intentions to focus on treating my body more like a temple and to let the Divine continue to flow and reside in me. I encourage you to try this out the next time you get on your yoga mat. Come to Tadasana, close your eyes, and ask if you are honoring the divinity that resides in you. Do you picture yourself as the miracle that you are?
The Purification
The Balinese are very in touch with their bodies, souls, and higher consciousness, and because of that, they know when they need cleansing and purification. One of the things that I loved about Bali Floating Leaf resort is that they immersed my retreat group in the culture and customs of Bali. We learned why offerings are made and how to make them. We learned about purification ceremonies and got to experience a purification ritual at the Holy Spring Tirtha Empul Tampaksiring.
Learning about and making Balinese offerings
I can’t say enough about the staff at Floating Leaf, they washed and massaged our feet when we arrived, learned our names, were always there with a smile and a cold drink, and they deserve a medal of patience for shepherding 18 Yogini Goddesses around all week. As I was writing in my journal about my experiences I realized something really serendipitous had occurred, and that somehow, some way one of the staff always found their way to me just when I needed a profound message or spiritual guidance.
The first instance happened as I was making my way into the pool of holy water for the purification ceremony. I was deep in thought about what I wanted to wash away and my list was long and full of judgment. One of the guides with us named Gusti came up to me and must have sensed the stories playing in my head and said, “Maria, say a prayer to the Gods, and ask them, why am I here.” He went on to explain that the Gods will know what you need to let go of and will wash it away. I just had to ask, believe, and trust. THANK YOU GUSTI! I took his advice and had a truly profound experience and will continue to use this guidance. Now when I come to my yoga mat instead of setting an intention for the practice, I ask my Divine, “Why am I here? How can I serve? How can I love more,” and then I open my heart to trust that the Divine and the universe will know exactly what I need and lead me in the right direction? I’ve been taught this lesson in the past, but sometimes you have to fly across the world and stand in holy water to get the message (you know what they say….when you are ready, the teacher will appear).
I’m quite certain that each one of us took away something spiritually different from the Purification Ceremony, but I can tell you that not one of us wanted to move from the steps in the picture below. There was an incredible beauty and visceral energy at Holy Spring Tirtha Empul Tampaksiring that you could feel in the air, see bubbling up to the surface in the holy water, and I’ll never forget the multitude of dragonflies flying overhead when I stepped out of the water.
The Goddesses after the Purification!
I have so much more to share, so stay tuned for more yoga and life lessons from Bali and Thailand. I’ll be heading back to Bali next March 12-18, 2018 for another Shanti, Shanti, Bali yoga retreat, and would love to have you join us. Click here for more details, or send me a message through the contact page if you have questions or need more info!
Sep 28, 2016 |
Breathe In: May I Exhale Out: Be Happy
Breathe In: May I Exhale Out: Be Healthy
Breathe In: May I Exhale Out: Be Safe
Breathe In: May I Exhale Out: Live in Peace
Ready to change your mood with a tried and true meditation? Find a comfortable seated position, close your eyes, settle into a calm and steady breath, with your inhale breathe in, “May I,” and then exhale out, “Be happy.” Continue that breath pattern with each part of the Loving Kindness mantra – Be Happy, Be Healthy, Be Safe, and Live in Peace. Repeat the mantras for a few minutes, then change the wording on the inhale to, “May They,” and offer the four part blessing to someone you know needs some extra loving kindness. After a while change the words on the inhale to, “May all beings,” and WOW you have taken the blessing from you, to those you love, to spreading Loving Kindness to the whole universe. It feels OMazing.
Don’t you just love the meaning behind these words and the intention and blessing they infuse into your heart and soul as you repeat them? We all just want to be happy and feel loved, but how often do you offer yourself such a blessing? How often do you offer the same blessing to others? There are so many benefits to spreading loving kindness and compassion,
Wouldn’t it be cool to meditate to the Loving Kindness mantra every day? To spend time learning how to nurture and love yourself and then spread that kindness and compassion to others? How about spending a whole week doing just that in a warm tropical beach location in the Caribbean?
Come spend a week with me in the beautiful Mayan Riviera of Mexico this November 6–12, 2016, and immerse yourself in a journey that is all about cultivating loving kindness for yourself. A gift of a week to travel to another part of the world for new adventures, for inward reflection, setting dreams and intentions, enjoying the warmth of sunshine on your face, relaxing on the beach, and practicing inspirational asana flows that will nurture your spirit and feed your soul.
The retreat will be held at the lovely Casa Om that sits across from the beach yet delivers top-deck ocean views and beach-bum relaxation. It is located above the hustle and bustle of Playa del Carmen and Tulum, while retaining the fun and energy of both. Set yourself up in the chilled out rooms, sun-kissed yoga studio and beach deck for a week of vitamin D yoga-it-all-out beach bliss. Watch this video to get a glimpse into the adventures and yoga that await!
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-0cxIS6luM [/youtube]
The week’s yoga practices, suitable for all levels, will be infused with my joyous and uplifting teachings, allowing you time for reflection, healing, and transformation. The morning yoga session will be held in either Casa Om’s beautiful yoga room or on the beach deck overlooking the crystal clear blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, practicing to a soundtrack of the soothing sounds of the surf. The afternoons are full of adventures that will immerse you in the Mayan culture, swimming and exploring cenotes, snorkeling with sea turtles, or to just take time to rest, relax, and recharge at the pool or beach. Your day will end with relaxing yoga sessions that include restorative yoga, myofascial release, reiki, meditation, and yoga nidra.
Ready to get your Loving Kindness on? Contact The Travel Yogi to make your reservation, and then grab your passport and pack up your yoga mat and join us for a week of bliss!
