Jul 30, 2014 |
I have to say that this summer of beach yoga has been filled with some pretty magical and funny moments so far, and I’ve got some pretty great stories to tell and weave into my yoga class themes. So far a few surprises include finding this beautiful heart of flowers right in the middle of my beach yoga studio one morning, getting mooned by a Firefly Beach camper, and practicing yoga with gale force-like wind and waves at Linwood Beach during my first full moon beach yoga class. I’ll take whatever Mother Nature brings and even though the storms and cooler temps have been plentiful, the peaceful sound of the rain, birds chirping, and view from the Firefly Beach pavilion has been quite blissful for the dedicated yogis who always show up on their mats.
Here are a few more magical moments I’d like to share.
The Shore Thing
I woke up one morning in a bit of a rush to get dressed and off to teach beach yoga. As I opened my closet, a t-shirt I had not worn all summer just kind of jumped out at me, and I put it on. It’s emblazoned with Shore Thing, the name of a business located on Main Street Beach in Vermilion that rents beach chairs, sells snacks, and provides awesome tourist information to visitors. I hadn’t seen Jennie McClendon, one of the owners of this business all summer, but I wanted to wear the shirt that morning so I could give Shore Thing a shout-out during my class that morning. 
I walked up to greet the class – and who is there to meet me but Jennie! Believe me when I tell you that this meeting was not an accident. We are all connected and send out our energy with our thoughts and actions, and Jennie and I had one awesome karmic connection going on that morning.
I loved getting this reminder to send good thoughts out into the universe because what you put out there is what you attract. Those negative thoughts will surely reach the recipient – so make sure you are sending out good energy!
Jennie also brought her incredible crystal singing bowl, and we had some pretty yogalicious Oms in class that morning as a result. Thank you, Jennie, for carrying that heavy bowl to the beach and for being an awesome brand ambassador for the City of Vermilion.
Be Here Now
It always bums me out when people start saying summer is over right after the 4th of July, and guess who turned into one of those people last week? When I started fretting about the fact that half of my summer beach yoga schedule was nearly over, I quickly gave myself a quick kick in the assana and remembered to find peace and joy in this moment and stop worrying about the future. I plopped down on my meditation cushion and started meditating with the mantra “Be Here Now,” and it turned out to be really powerful. Try it out next time you meditate. Breathe in and say, “Be here,” and on the exhale say, “Now.” As you say the word “now,” let the peaceful feeling that comes when you savor the present moment soak into your heart. I hope it has the same effect on you as it did for me and brings you a feeling of complete joy.
I’m not trying to glorify being busy, but I will say that the summer is one of my busiest times of the year. The “Be Here Now” mantra has become one of my best coping mechanisms and reminds me to take it one day at a time, to practice being present, and to savor each and every moment of summer.
Ommmmm
I’ve had some pretty special experiences when chanting om, but there is something about an outdoors om that can’t be beat. This summer I’ve gotten to enjoy oms that rolled along with the sound of the wind, surfed along the top of the waves, and even a few that harmonized with the sound of the trains that are constantly rolling through Vermilion.
Last week on a cloudy day right as I closed out the Main Street beach yoga class with a shared om, as if on cue, the sun started to peek out and shined its light on us, and birds started to chirp along. I was filled with an overwhelming sense of peace in my heart. One word: omalicious!
Super Full Moon
What’s better than beach yoga? Doing yoga on the beach while the sun is setting and the moon is rising with a huge group of fellow yogis! The super full moon on July 12 was a very special night on Main Street Beach in Vermilion, and I want to send out a huge hug to all the yogis who showed up. I’ll do it again on August 10 and September 9 – so come on out and do a little yoga mat dancing in the moonlight with me this summer! The next two full moon yoga classes will be held at Linwood Beach.
SUPYoga
I love first times, and this summer I got to teach my very first stand-up paddleboard yoga class (SUP Yoga) to an awesome group of yogis. The weather was calling for rain, but it ended up being a perfect day with nice calm Lake Erie water. You better believe there were some victorious woo-hoos when we all got into downward dog on the boards and did our first sun salutations SUP style!
Big thanks to Jim Lawhead of Lake Erie Paddler for bringing the boards. We had so much fun that we will be doing it again soon and I will post the dates as soon as they are finalized.
If you have not made it up to Vermilion yet, plan a little road trip to head up for a beach yoga class take some time to explore this small city on a great lake with all its shops and restaurants. There’s still a lot more summer left, and I can’t wait to see what else this summer and the universe has to bring. The Kelleys Island Yoga and Wellness Retreat is scheduled for September 11-14, and I may even extend some of my beach yoga classes beyond that into September and October.
Woo Hoo – I feel so blessed to get to do what I do! Thank you universe!
Click to find out more about upcoming Daily Downward Dog yoga retreats! Come join us!
Jul 11, 2014 |
Woo hoo – the beach yoga in Vermilion and Huron has been a blast this summer and I’m sending out big hugs to everyone who has shown up to practice with me on the lovely shores of Lake Erie. Summer is heating up and so are the activities at beach yoga! Check out all the latest updates below!
FULL MOON YOGA
This Saturday there will be a full moon – but not just any full moon. This one is being touted as a SUPER full moon, aptly named because it is going to be the night of my first Full Moon Yoga class on Main Street Beach in Vermilion!
The reason for the SUPER moniker is due to the fact that this full moon is not only the closest and largest full moon of this year, but it also will be the moon’s closest encounter with earth for all of 2014!
Please join me and tap into the power and energy of this super full moon and align with the natural rhythms of the season. It is said that the full moon is a time that brings closure to things that no longer serve us, enabling us to set intentions and dreams to nourish us in the days to come.
We’ll enjoy rhythmic and empowering moon salutations; nurture our bodies, minds, and souls; balance our energies; and awaken our creativity and intuition as we flow through asanas in the divine light of this super full moon. There will be time at the end of class for meditation, setting intentions, and sending dreams out into the universe. The Super Full Moon class will start at 8:30 PM and is an all-levels-welcome class. Mother nature is providing a double treat Saturday night – you’ll get to see the sunset over Lake Erie and then watch as the moon start to brighten.
The Full Moon over Linwood Park last summer at beach yoga – thanks Alison Harris Jaggers for sharing this photo!
What to Bring: I’ll have sheets down on the beach to protect your yoga mat or towel, but I’m expecting a big turnout, so bring along an extra sheet if you can. You may want to bring an extra layer of clothing or a blanket to cover up with during savasana and meditation, and you might also want to have some buy spray on hand.
Cost: This is a free class. Donations are welcome!
Location: Main Street Beach is located at the end of Main Street in downtown Vermilion. Class will be held right on the beach. There is parking along Main Street.
Class will be cancelled in the event of rain. I’ll post updates on the Daily Downward Dog Facebook page if the weather is questionable.
Can’t make it this Saturday? There will be full moon beach yoga class on
August 10 and September 9 too at Linwood Beach in Vermilion!
SUP YOGA
Jim Lawhead of Lake Erie Paddler is bringing 8 stand-up paddle boards to beach yoga at Firefly Beach on Sunday, July 13 and July 20. Sign up now if you want to learn how to paddle board and have a standup paddleboard yoga session with me.
Paddle Board Lesson
10:00 – 11:30 AM on July 13 and 20
$30 – 90 Minutes
Paddle Board Lesson is taught by experienced certified Paddle Board instructor from Lake Erie Paddler.Paddle Board Lesson is comprised of the following:
- 15-minute beach tutorial on paddling techniques, footwork, balance, and safety
- 30-45 minute on-water instructor guided coaching to ensure each student success
- 30-45 minute self-guided free paddle with instructor
- Elective SUP Yoga instruction by Maria
Included in Paddle Board Lesson is rental of premium paddle board, paddle, leash, and PFD/Life Jacket.
RESERVE YOUR BOARD NOW – SPACE is Limited. For more information and to register online go to:
http://alohasupoh.com/products/sup-lesson-firefly-beach-huron
MASSAGE
Starting July 12, Ayden Ash will be at Firefly Beach every Saturday and Sunday morning to give Relaxation Massages. Ayden is certified as an Ethical Massage Practitioner and will be at Firefly at 7:30 AM for massages before class or after class. $1 a minute up to 15 minutes, $25 for a half an hour, and $40 for a full hour. First come, first served or you can contact Ayden at aydenanthonyash at gmail.com to book in advance.
Click to find out more about upcoming Daily Downward Dog yoga retreats! Come join us!
Jun 18, 2014 |
Can you believe I recently got an email from the folks at Icebreaker Merino posing that question?
These New Zealanders wanted to know how I was bringing adventure into my yoga practice.
I could tell them about my quest to get into handstand without the aid of a wall by the end of the summer, or how at times I have been teaching yoga classes on the beach in the rain with gale force winds, or my thrill of getting into salamba sirasana on a standup paddleboard, but I’ve got an even better adventure story to tell.
Last April I taught my very first yoga retreat in Aruba. At the time I announced the retreat, I had no idea if anyone would sign up. It had always been my dream to combine my love of yoga and travel, so I took a leap of faith, followed my heart, and booked a ticket to Aruba. Then I invited anyone and everyone who wanted to join me, and 10 awesome yogini goddesses came along. You may not agree, but I think that took some big yoga-lovin’ balls!
My first Beach Yoga Bliss yoga retreat in Aruba!
I have been blessed to lead three more yoga retreats since then (Firefly Beach, SKIASANA, and Beach Yoga Bliss II). And I’m not stopping now!
Getting adventurous on the ski slopes in Stowe, Vermont during SKIASANA
My biggest yoga retreat adventure is now official. In September 2015, I will be leading the I Am Love Beach Yoga Bliss retreat in Santorini, Greece!
The mantra for the week will be “I Am Love,” and together we’ll learn how to live that mantra, letting go of fear, stress, or whatever else is keeping your from living out your intentions and opening your heart wide open to love. So this announcement comes with a big honking WOO HOO!
I can’t wait to practice yoga and meditate on this deck overlooking the sapphire blue waters of the Aegean Sea. There will be twice daily yoga sessions. The morning sessions are reserved for a spirited, all-levels asana and meditation practice, and the late afternoon sunset classes are restorative with more time for sweet meditation. A few of the evening sessions will include therapeutic myofascial release with Yoga Tune-Up® Therapy Balls (see I really do have balls) and yoga nidra for deep relaxation.
We are going to have plenty of adventure exploring the island and enjoying the picturesque red and black sand beaches, trying out the Vinsanto local wine (I can speak from experience that it is yummy), visiting ancient ruins, and chillaxing at one of the hotel’s many pools, which also sport gorgeous views of the sea.
This is the farthest I’ve ventured on any of my yoga retreats, so grab your passport and come along! You can read more about the retreat here including testimonials from the yogis who have attended past retreats, and reservations can be made through The Travel Yogi. Space is limited; book early to save a spot for your yoga mat on that gorgeous seaside deck!
Speaking of having balls, I have to say the folks at Icebreaker Merino have big kahunas to make yoga wear that is made out of wool. I don’t know about you, but wool is not a fabric that comes to mind when I’m thinking about getting dressed for a beach yoga class. But this is not your mother’s itchy wool; this is lightweight merino wool that naturally keeps your cool. If you are unfamiliar with merino wool, here’s a little Merino 101. Icebreaker is dedicated to sustainability and ethical business practices and I’m thinking I may just have to plan a future yoga retreat in New Zealand because it looks gorgeous there!
To me, having balls is the same thing as letting go of fear and opening your heart to go after your dreams. I’d love to hear how you exercise courage either on or off your yoga mat. Leave a comment below to let me know the most adventurous thing you’ve done lately.
I’ll keep you posted on my quest to get into handstand. If you can’t wait until September 2015, my next yoga retreat will be on the beautiful island of Aruba – April 11-18, 2015 and you can book it now through The Travel Yogi.
Click to find out more about upcoming Daily Downward Dog yoga retreats! Come join us!
May 28, 2014 |
Well, another Beach Yoga Bliss retreat is in the books, and I couldn’t help but recap all the reasons why Beach Yoga Bliss II in Aruba more than just rocked. It was crazy awesome this year, and here are a few reasons why.
Walk This Way. Yoga wasn’t the only physical activity on the agenda; we also got a little walkasana action throughout the week! It kicked off with a meditative walk around the Peace Labyrinth at the Alto Vista Chapel. You couldn’t ask for a more gorgeous and serene setting to walk a labyrinth, taking time to journey inward to set forth intentions. Afterward we all got to sit by the chapel in silent meditation overlooking the Caribbean.
A few early risers ventured out with me to hike over 500 steps to the top of Hooiberg (the highest point on the island) to catch the sunrise and meditate while looking out over the island.
Once again, the hike to the natural pool along the north side of the island was absolutely stunning, and this year we enjoyed the added company of a few goats.
Boca Keto Beach was magical and will always hold a place in my heart.
International Yoga Retreat Leader. Oh yeah, it’s official: I am an international yoga retreat leader now because this year three lovely yoginis from Canada joined the retreat! I’m thinking there are going to be some Canadian yoga retreat locations in my future (Skiasana in the Canadian Rockies or Vancouver, B.C. is sounding good).
Me No Fear. One of the retreat themes was about letting go of fear and embracing love. I encouraged everyone to pick a mantra to capture the essence of letting go of fear and shared my own personal mantra: I Am Love. Elyse, one of the yogis from Canada, came up to me after class to tell me that a mantra popped into her mind during the class. It was a memory of her children learning to speak English but mixing up the tense. And so “Me No Fear” officially became a mantra for the week, one that I’m sure is going to stick with me for a long time. Thank you, Elyse, for the inspiration!
Santosha. If you are wondering why so many of the pictures from the retreat have everyone with their hands in gyan mudra? Well, gyan mudra officially became santosha mudra as we practiced being fully present and content.
I’ll admit the practice of santosha (cultivating contentment) is not hard to do when you are on a yoga retreat in Aruba, but it’s not so easy back on the mainland when things are not going your way. We learned a lot about santosha, including how to apply the practice off the mat, because when we are content, it leads to happiness, which leads to bliss.
Setting Intentions. A big part of every Beach Yoga Bliss retreat is having time for silent reflection, to journal, set dreams, and send intentions out into the universe. I gave each of the participants a Destiny Intention bracelet from Tiny Devotions and suggested that they tie the intentions they set during the week to their bracelet. I’ve been placing my bracelet in front of my yoga mat when I practice, and it serves as a powerful reminder to keep believing and living the intentions I set in Aruba.
Travel Adventures. One of the reasons I love to travel is for the opportunities it provides to try new things. I mean, when would I ever get the chance in northeast Ohio to let garra ruffa fish nibble on my feet for a delightful spa treatment? (I’ll be writing a blog post with more about this adventure soon.)
Or, get to snorkel in crystal blue Caribbean waters in search of sea turtles and starfish?
Or, take a standup paddleboard (SUP) yoga class? (Well, actually, I can do this on Lake Erie, but lying peacefully on the boards with our hands in the water during savasana and knowing we were close enough to float to Venezuela was pretty darn awesome!)
Beach Yoga Bliss. Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa has the BEST outdoor pavilions for beach yoga and a gorgeous beach if you decide you want to venture out onto the sand. The view from the beach pavilion of the Caribbean Sea and palm trees is absolutely sublime.
We even used the spa deck one night for a restorative yoga session with yoga therapy balls.
Manchebo Rocks. I can’t say enough good things about Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa. The staff are so friendly and helpful, the grounds are gorgeous, and you don’t get that packed-in, claustrophobic feeling like at some other resorts I’ve been to. The staff took really good care of us, especially Carla who went above and beyond the call of duty to get up at 5 AM to drive us to the sunrise hike! This is a beach resorts that caters to yogis!
Goddess Power. When you go on a yoga retreat for the first time, one of the unexpected delights is getting to meet a group of fabulous yogis who will soon become lifelong friends. I’ve seen it time and time again – the connection that forms between retreat participants – and I am so grateful for the community of goddesses that blossomed on this retreat and the new friendships that I gained.
Crazy Awesomeness. If you know me, you know that I use (and maybe even overuse) the word awesome in my vocabulary. So imagine my delight when I was showing the beach pavilion to Holly at the beginning of the week and I said, “awesome, huh?” Her reply with a big grin on her face was, “It’s crazy awesome.” And so it began: “Crazy awesome” became the other catch phrase of the week, and it is now officially a part of my vocabulary. Thanks for the inspiration, Holly!
Big hugs to Jen, Liz, and Karly at The Travel Yogi for all your help in making this retreat come to life! I love working with you and can’t wait for my next retreat in Santorini, Greece, coming in September 12-19, 2015 (stay tuned I’ll be releasing all the details on that in the next few weeks). I loved Aruba so much this year I may just need to sneak in another Manchebo retreat before heading to Santorini.
Stay tuned to my Yoga Retreats & Workshop page here on the DDD for retreat announcements to come! The next Beach Yoga Bliss retreat will be September 11–14, 2014, on Kelleys Island in Ohio.
I’m sending big love and gratitude to Amy, Kim, Elyse, Holly, Esther, Debbie, Sue, and Holly for sharing their yoga practices with me, and helping to make my dreams come true. You yogini goddesses are the reason why Beach Yoga Bliss II was crazy awesome!
Book you space now before this retreat fills up.
May 22, 2014 |
I cannot even control the excitement over here at DDD headquarters because the Beach Yoga season is about to start in just 2 days! Wootie Woo Hoo! If you thought winter would never end, well it has baby, and we are springing our way right into summer! It’s time to roll out your beach yoga mat on the sandy shores of Lake Erie, bask in the sunlight, listen to the waves, and go from stressed out to blissed out.
Firefly Beach Yoga classes begin this Saturday, May 24 at 8:30 AM. The following weekend the full schedule kicks in with classes on Saturday, May 31, Sunday, June 1, and the first Wednesday night sunset beach yoga class on June 4 at 7:30 PM.
Linwood Beach sunset beach yoga classes begin on Tuesday, June 3 and run through August 26.
Main Street Beach Vermilion classes begin on Monday, June 9 and run through September 1. This year I’ve added a Friday morning class at Main Street.
And…there will be Full Moon Yoga Classes in July, August, and September!
Click to find out more about upcoming Daily Downward Dog yoga retreats! Come join us!
Hope to see you on the beach this summer!!
Kelleys Island Beach Yoga & Wellness Retreat * September 11-14, 2014
Please join us September 11-14, on the idyllic Kelleys Island, for a weekend of beach yoga bliss and wellness. The festivities begin on Thursday, September 11, with a weekend reflexology workshop, and the yoga kicks off Friday evening with a sunset yoga and meditation class and continues through Sunday with lots of time to explore the island, have a chakradance experience, and perhaps indulge yourself with a Thai massage. There’s nothing better than doing your daily downward dogs basking in the sun, with a yoga class playlist courtesy of the rolling Lake Erie surf, and cool breezes brushing across your face. Come breathe, stretch, dance, relax, and find your bliss on Kelleys Island!
Beach Yoga picture by Laura Watilo Blake and taken on the gorgeous Linwood Beach in Vermilion, Ohio!
