Jun 22, 2015 |
I’ve had many requests to lead a yoga retreat on a beach that didn’t require securing an international passport, or being far from family for a whole week. For those of you who want to get away from it all, dip your toes in the sand, and relax and recharge at a really awesome vacation destination, I’ve heard you. This summer I’ve got the perfect yoga retreat for you.
The weekend of August 28–30, 2015, I will be leading a yoga retreat at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. Pack your bathing suit, yoga mat, and sense of adventure, and take a road trip to one of the coolest summer vacation spots in the Midwest – the newly restored and absolutely beautiful Hotel Breakers resort for Top Thrill Yoga.
The Hotel Breakers has just undergone an extensive transformation, and when you step into the lobby of this iconic hotel you will feel like you’ve been transported to a Cape Cod beach resort. Step outside of the lobby to find an expansive beach and pool deck where you can lounge. There are endless options to relax in between beach yoga and meditation sessions, including the thrilling amusement park rides at Cedar Point.
I’ve got a special weekend of themed yoga classes that will help you prepare your body and mind not only for the roller coasters in the park, but the roller coaster of life. We’ll breathe, stretch, meditate, relax, feed the soul, and find our bliss on a gorgeous one-mile stretch of sandy beach. No passport required!
Here are a few great reasons why you should join us for Top Thrill Yoga at Cedar Point:
1) Top Thrill Yoga! Cedar Point is known for its thrilling roller coasters like Top Thrill Dragster. In less than 4 seconds, the ride takes you from zero to 120 MPH and then shoots you 420 feet into the air for a power-packed adrenaline rush. During the weekend yoga and meditation sessions, I’ll be teaching a special Top Thrill Sun Salutation along with pranayama breathing exercises to prepare your heart and mind for the excitement you’ll find in the park – or anytime a stressful situation arises. This is not my first trip to Cedar Point, so I’ll teach you exactly how I’ve used the power of my breath to calm me down before taking a spin on Top Thrill Dragster!
2) FullMoonAsana. We’re starting the retreat class on Saturday night a little later. That gives you plenty of time in the park; plus it will be dark enough for us to practice moon salutations under the light of the full moon. The evening beach yoga class starts at 8:30 PM, and it is going to be a truly magical yoga practice under the stars, bathing in the expansive light and energy of the full moon.
3) Day-tripper. You don’t have to come for the whole weekend. If you like, you can head to Cedar Point for the day and attend individual yoga retreat classes. There is an early-bird discount if you purchase the weekend package of all the yoga and meditation classes before July 15, but each yoga class can also be purchased separately. If you purchase classes through the Daily Downward Dog you will have the opportunity to purchase discounted one-day and weekend Cedar Point tickets and parking passes. Click here for more information about purchasing the retreat weekend or individual class passes.
4) Community. One of the highlights of my past summer yoga retreats is hanging out by the fire at night simply relaxing, sharing laughter, and getting to know all the other yogis. The pool deck at Hotel Breakers has an awesome fire-pit with lots of chairs overlooking the lake, and I can’t wait to hang out there and make new friends on Friday and Saturday night.
5) Yoga with a View! Mother Nature is providing the perfect yoga studio for the weekend with views overlooking Lake Erie, as well as gorgeous sunrises, sunsets, and the full moon rising. You’ll hear the sound of the waves lapping up on the shore, birds chirping, and maybe even a few squeals of delight from the roller coaster fanatics. If by chance there is rain, we’ll have a wonderful space inside the Ceder Point Convention Center next to Hotel Breakers to practice yoga.
6) Food! You’ll enjoy all the perks of a full-service resort at Hotel Breakers, including Starbucks coffee, pancakes for breakfast at Perkins, Japanese food at TOMO Hibachi Grill, and frothy beverages at the Surf Lounge Rotunda Bar.
7) Adventure! If you stay at Hotel Breakers, you get to enter Cedar Point a whole hour before the general public– that means no lines for some of the most popular rides! You will also be able to purchase discounted park passes. Cedar Point has 71 amusement park rides (17 of those are roller coasters), the Soak City Waterpark, live entertainment, and Lake Erie activities like wave runner rental, parasailing, and boat charters. In between yoga classes you can have an afternoon of adventure, or just dip your toes in the sand and relax at the pool.
Don’t delay – Get your reservations for Hotel Breakers, check out all the activities to pursue at Cedar Point, purchase your yoga retreat classes, and then kick back and daydream until it’s time to enjoy Top Thrill Yoga! Click here for more information about the retreat weekend and links to purchase retreat accommodations and yoga class passes.
Woo Hoo! I hope to see you in Ohio this summer for Top Thrill Yoga!
Jan 21, 2015 |
Last month, a lovely young woman named Erin showed up for one of my classes at Yoga Bliss Akron. She came up to introduce herself since she was new to the yoga studio, and I was immediately impressed by this really incredible energy about her. She proceeded to tell me that she had just won a national contest sponsored by Robek’s, which involved her taking a photo of herself showing how she stays healthy. She took a picture of herself in a yoga pose holding one of their smoothies, posted it to Instagram with the hashtag #GetHealthyWithRobeks, and ended up winning the contest.
That in itself is pretty remarkable since this was a national contest with hundreds of entries. But, what is even more remarkable is that the prize she won was her choice of a year-long membership to the fitness facility of her choice, and she chose a year-long unlimited yoga pass to Yoga Bliss!
Erin was already active with ballet dancing and had always wanted to start a yoga practice, so she was really excited about winning (understandably so) and starting her year-long yoga journey. The year started out with a lot of zeal. I saw Erin one evening at the studio, and she had just attended her fourth yoga class for the day – and that my friends is the beauty of having an unlimited yoga pass, you can take four classes in one day if you want!
Maria, Erin, and her friend Natalie at Yoga Bliss Akron.
Now I’ve been thinking a lot about Erin and the journey she is going to have this year on her yoga mat. I encouraged her to journal about the experience, and I also wrote down a few hopes that I have for her, which I shared in a recent class she attended. These hopes were not just for Erin; they were for all of my students because they are applicable no matter how many times you have stepped on your yoga mat.
Have Fun
Yes, it is important to be safe and in alignment in yoga asanas, but it’s also important to have fun on your yoga mat. It is OK to laugh, dance, sway your hips in the air in downward facing dog, and show off your jazz hands from time to time. Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras talks about friendliness, compassion, gladness, and joy when practicing yoga. Without these, we are not experiencing the true yoga of Patanjali. So, each time you come to your yoga mat, I hope that you seek joy, be friendly and compassionate with those you practice with, and don’t be afraid to bust out a few dance moves on your yoga mat.
Close Your Eyes
I know this is hard to do, especially when new to yoga, but I hope that you are able to find a few spaces during your yoga practice when you can close your eyes. I say this not so you can’t see, but rather so you can truly see within. When you close the eyes, you can focus on your breath, your body, and your divine. It is how I block out my ego – not looking around, not comparing, not judging – and when I can do this, I become fully present. Try it out in short spurts for a while, and eventually you will be able to do it more throughout the class. When you can block out the ego mind, let it all go, release the struggle, and truly relax, you become truly present in your body, and that is when the good stuff starts to happen. This is when your practice really starts to blossom!
Always Be a Beginner
No matter how long you practice yoga, there are always new things to learn. B.K.S. Iyengar said that once you think you have mastered a pose that is when you stop practicing yoga. I hope that as you continue on your yoga journey you always stay full of wonder, willing to learn and grow. Come to your yoga mat each time thinking, “What am I going to discover today?”
No Worries When You Don’t Make It to the Mat
I told Erin that there are going to be times in this next year when she doesn’t make it to the mat when she plans to. We all get busy. Life happens, but I stressed that she should not beat herself up when something holds her up from attending yoga class. Even on the busiest of days, you can always find a way to practice yoga. Perhaps take a few moments to sit, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. Or, simply do a kind deed for someone. Your yoga mat will always be there for you when you are ready to come back!
Practice Makes Perfect
I see this a lot with new students: a drive to perfect the yoga asanas and a lot of judgment about their lack of strength and flexibility. I always remind them that they have a lifetime to refine the poses and that they should enjoy the journey. Yes, we are all inherently driven to achieve perfection, and it is that drive that inspires us to improve. My hope, however, is that you can let go of the struggle and instead enjoy the practice. I love this quote from B.K.S. Iyengar: “Let the goal be to reach perfection, but to be content with a little progress toward perfection every day.”
And this one too! “Success will come to the person who practices.” – B.K.S. Iyengar
Live Your Yoga off the Mat
We learn a lot on our yoga mats, like the power of our breath, patience, the ability to offer compassion to ourselves and others, and truth. My hope for Erin is that at some point this year when she is off her mat that she has an aha moment, realizing that an action she has just taken was driven by something she learned on her yoga mat. Perhaps she is more patient with her parents, is more present with her friends and teachers, or uses her breathing to help her through a stressful situation. Yoga on the mat is awesome, but when you start living it off the mat, your life just gets sweeter.
The One Yoga Asana I Hope You Master
If you only focus on one yoga pose this year, try focusing on savasana. I know a lot of you are probably thinking, well how hard could that be? Savasana, if done properly, is by far one of the most challenging yoga poses because it requires you to lie still yet be fully present. When you can do this, completely let go and surrender to savasana, that is when the magic of your yoga practice will happen. Do yourself a favor this year and really focus on mastering savasana. Let all the goodness of the time spent on your mat soak into every cell of your body.
Erin, congratulations on your contest win, on your year of unlimited yoga, and on this fantastic yoga journey you are about to embark on! I am looking forward to watching it unfold.
Click to find out more about upcoming Daily Downward Dog yoga retreats! Come join us!
Nov 25, 2014 |
The secret to happiness is doing what you love. The secret to success is loving what you do.
I have to admit that right now, I am REALLY HAPPY! I am absolutely loving what I do and I’m really excited to announce upcoming yoga workshops and new yoga classes that I am blessed to be able to share.
Essential Oils & Yoga Workshop
This Saturday, November 29, I am teaming up with my good friend, Kathleen Merk, to lead an Essential Oils and Yoga Workshop at Yoga Bliss Akron from 1-3 PM. I have been using essential oils like peppermint to relieve my headaches, using a diffuser at night with lavender essential oil to bring me to a peaceful sleep, and rubbing frankincense on my feet before meditation to keep me focused and centered.
The use of essential oils to heal and complement yoga practice is nothing new, in fact, it dates back thousands of years and originated in India with sandalwood and vetiver to aid in developing the mind for meditation, and creating a healthy balance between the mind, body, and spirit.
The essential oils used during this workshop are uplifting yet calming and will remind you of the importance of taking the time to nurture yourself and practice loving kindness. You’ll leave the workshop relaxed, refreshed, and with your very own pack of sample oils and a booklet with tips on how to effectively use each oil for improved physical and emotional health. If you have been curious about the benefits of essential oils, please join me and doTERRA Wellness Advocate Kathleen Merk for this Essential Yoga Workshop. All levels are welcome. Workshop fee is $35.
Register early as space is limited and you can register online through the Yoga Bliss website. If you are interested in this workshop and would like details on how to bring it to your workplace, meeting, or yoga studio, please contact Maria.
Do What You Love and Do it Often!
(this means do YOGA more often!!)
Yoga in Vermilion, Ohio
The winter yoga classes in Vermilion are in full swing, and no, they are not on the beach, but inside in a warm and groovy space in the library of Sailorway Middle School. I’ll be there on select Saturdays in December and New Years Eve and I just announced dates for the January and February classes as well as these special classes and workshops
New Years Eve Yoga & Meditation, December 31 | 3:00 PM
NEW Beginners’ 5-Week Series begins January 3 | 8:15-9:15 AM
Essential Oils & Yoga Workshop on Friday, February 6 from 6:30 – 8:30 PM
The Yoga of Bob Marley, Saturday, January 31 | 6-8 PM
Click here to see the full schedule of class dates in Vermilion.
NEW CLASSES AT YOGA BLISS
I am super excited that the schedule for the Ganesha (non-heated) Studio at Yoga Bliss Akron has expanded with lots of new class offerings every day of the week. I am teaching a few of the new Gentle Flow classes that are now offered on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10:45 AM and a new class on Sunday nights called Sunday Night Stretch and Unwind.
On Sunday nights do you start to get stressed out thinking about the week to come? If this sounds like you, this class will help you unwind, quiet the mind, and relax. I start with a grounded and healing asana practice combined with meditative breathing to help you redirect your prana (energy) and breath into releasing tension and stress from the body. The second portion of class focuses on deeper, restorative stretches and meditation – each week a different and new experience from guided, silent, mantra, yoga nidra, breath work, and moving will be explored. This practice will quiet the mind and prepare you for a restful sleep so you can flow into the coming week with peace, clarity, and inspiration. The Ganesha Studio will be dimly lit and filled with peaceful music. All levels welcome.
I AM LOVE YOGA RETREATS
Don’t tell people your dreams, show them!
I show (and live) my dreams each year when I get to host yoga retreats on the most beautiful beaches in the world. In April of 2015 I will be hosting my 3rd Beach Yoga Bliss retreat in Aruba, and in September I’ll be leading another retreat in Santorini, Greece.
Our mantra each of these weeks will be “I Am Love,” and together we’ll learn how to live that mantra, letting go of fear, stress, or whatever is keeping you from living out your dreams and finding your bliss.
Click to find out more about upcoming Daily Downward Dog yoga retreats! Come join us!
Oct 24, 2014 |
I had the opportunity this summer to provide yoga assists at one of the coolest yoga events I’ve ever attended. A group called BelieveinCLE was formed in 2013 to bring together yogis throughout northern Ohio in some pretty sweet venues to collectively raise the vibration and LOVE for Cleveland (and yoga). This particular event on Mall B in downtown Cleveland was part of the welcoming kick-off ceremonies for the Gay Games, and there were over 2,000 yogis in attendance for an awesome yoga practice. As the sun set, we witnessed a rainbow of laser lights shining over us and the downtown skyline.
Photo courtesy of Shel Jane Greenberg Ginger*Snapshot Photography
As I walked through the yoga mats offering assists, I noticed a rather large young man dressed in attire looking more ready to step onto a football field than a yoga mat. He was coming into trikonasana rather awkwardly (which I say without judgment, but with a loving heart), so I walked up next to him and offered an assist to bring him into the proper alignment in the pose. As I helped him lift his right arm up, his body flowed into a graceful ease. He enthusiastically thanked me for the assist and proceeded to tell me that this was his very first yoga class. I congratulated him on picking such an opportune first class and assured him that he was doing great and to keep smiling and enjoying himself.
More than midway through the class I saw him again, and from the look on his face I could tell that fatigue was setting in. I caught his eye and gave him a thumbs-up for encouragement, and he nodded back with a smile.
As the class was winding down and the yogis were coming into savasana, I saw the young man and went over to help adjust his shoulders. As I did, I said to him, “Congratulations, you made it through your very first yoga class!” He got a huge grin on his face and said to me, “I think my life has changed tonight!” I started to laugh and teasingly told him to watch out, that yoga can become contagious, and that I could foresee him wanting to practice all the time. He just smiled, nodded his head, and said, “Yeah I think so too.”
YOGA … IT HAS THE POWER TO TRANSFORM YOU
The power of yoga can change your life! I’ve always known this, but it was a beautiful reminder to see the blissed out faces of so many yogis that night and to hear it confessed so truthfully by someone who probably never imagined he would step on a yoga mat, let alone to end up liking it so much.
Believe me when I tell you the yogis who assembled that night brought
enough wattage to light up the Terminal Tower like this!
I’m sure the incredible yoga class led by Inner Bliss YogaStudio owner, Tammy Lyons and Adam Tilocco, the rockin playlist, and the combined energy and beauty of that night had a lot to do with his life-changing declaration, but you can’t deny that the unifying element is the practice itself. This yoga practice is truly transformational.
Open your hearts yogis. Come to your yoga mats each time like you are a beginner, ready and open to experience, to learn, to breathe, to grow, to be transformed by the power of yoga and let it change your life.
A big glitter hug and Thank You to Shel Jane Greenberg Erba for sharing her lovely photography with me! I highly recommend you take a yoga class with her at One Love Yoga in Kent, Ohio!
Click to find out more about upcoming Daily Downward Dog yoga retreats! Come join us!
Jun 25, 2014 |
Holy cow – it has been way too long since I’ve written about cool yoga music! So, to make up for my yoga playlist slacking, I’ve decided that my next few blog posts will be dedicated to CD reviews, cool summer yoga and music events, and my new favorite yoga theme song.
Get ready for some happening harmoniums, musical mantras, and soothing savasana serenades perfect for your home yoga practice or to put together an awesome yoga class playlist.
Because I’m Happy!
I started out my yoga classes a few weeks ago with a few poetic lines from one of my favorite songs these days.
Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof.
Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth.
Clap along if you know what happiness is to you.
Because I’m happy!
If you have not heard these lyrics – you must not have turned on your radio in the last few months because “Happy” by Pharrell Williams has been a big hit this year.
[youtube]http://youtu.be/y6Sxv-sUYtM[/youtube]
I especially like the second verse of the song where Pharrell starts singing about bad news. He says, “Give me all you got, don’t hold it back, because I should probably warn you I’ll be just fine. No offense to you, don’t waste your time. Here’s why: because I’m happy.”
Hummm, I wonder if Pharrell practices yoga because he obviously is really in touch with the concept of santosha, or contentment.
Santosha is part of the eight limbs of yoga and is one of the niyamas. From the translation of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by Sri Swami Satchidananda, the definition of santosha is being content with what you have and where you are at, instead of wishing for things you don’t have, or daydreaming of the future. Santosha is living in the present and feeling true satisfaction. And, here’s the kicker: When you have this kind of contentment, supreme joy is attained. In other words, living in the present leads to HAPPINESS.
In his hit single, Pharrell is basically telling the bearer of bad news, “Hey, I’m not ignoring the issues of my life. What I’m doing is practicing santosha so that even in the midst of all these challenges, I can be content. I can be happy by practicing happiness and contentment with what I have right here, right now. Don’t try to bring me down, because I am HAPPY! Woo Hoo!”
Yes, even Pharrell likes to bust out a big Woo Hoo when he’s happy.
I don’t know about you, but I can’t help but feel happy when I hear this song, and for that very reason, it has become my new favorite yoga theme song. I’ve used it as a theme for my yoga classes, on my yoga class playlists, and to dance around the yoga studio while I set up for classes (i.e., while I’m raking the beach for beach yoga classes). I bought the song from iTunes and have it on my phone and listen to it whenever I need a little fix of santosha happiness.
It reminds me to think about what happiness means to me, to bring a little dance and smile to everything I do, and that being happy is what life is about. I was really touched when a few people sent me links to “Happy” and told me it made them think of me 🙂
Pharrell, you got it right: Happiness is the truth.
Here are a few more of my favorite yoga theme songs:
Today is Going to Be the Best Day of My Life
A Lovely (Yoga) Day and awesome song parody!
You Just Got to Believe – Believe in Yourself
Or, head on over to the Cool Yoga Music page on The Daily Downward Dog for all my yoga theme songs, cool yoga playlists, and featured yoga musical artists!
Click to find out more about upcoming Daily Downward Dog yoga retreats! Come join us!
