Sunday 28 December 2014

dissection of the entire human nervous system



This remarkable work of art isn’t a just a painting. It’s a dissection of the entire human nervous system, removed from the body and left intact. The dissection was done by two students at the Kirksville Osteopathic College in the 1920’s. 

She is you…



She speaks her mind
She is vibrantly alive
She revels in her originality
She knows what she wants

She is a bit naughty
She is often outrageous
She is her own unique brand of Sassy and Sexy
She uses the power of her own pleasure as a way of life

She treats herself like the Goddess she is
She chooses to adore her body, whatever her size, age or circumstance
She has work that is designed and driven by her juiciest desires

She works less, gets more and has fun doing both!
She uses her community of women to support her dreams
She has taken her rightful place as the owner and operator of her life

She is you… ॐ 

Thursday 25 December 2014

yoga benefits...



She is you…



She is you…

She speaks her mind
She is vibrantly alive
She revels in her originality

She knows what she wants

She is you…

She is a sensual being, a sexual being
She takes reverent care of herself
She treats herself like the Goddess she is
She works less, gets more and has fun doing both!

She uses her community of women to support her dreams
She has taken her rightful place as the owner and operator of her life

She is you…

~ The Pleasure Revolution

Tuesday 23 December 2014

Song of Myself!

“I believe in the flesh and the appetites,
Seeing, hearing, feeling, are miracles, and each part and tag of me is a miracle. 

Divine am I inside and out, and I make holy whatever I touch or am touched from, 
The scent of these armpits aroma finer than prayer, This head more than churches, bibles, and all the creeds.” ॐ 

― Walt Whitman, Song of Myself


Wild Kali!



Utthita Trikonasana!

Asana of the Week - Utthita Trikonasana

Parivrtta Parsvakonasana

#Asana of the Week: Parivrtta Parsvakonasana.  #yoga

Sunday 21 December 2014

Tracing Your Meridians!

When meridians become unbalanced, they can carry too much or too little energy to the organs, and they can create emotional havoc. Tracing them smooths and evens the flow of energy throughout the meridian system. The result is optimal health and well being.
What is the value of tracing your meridians? When meridians become unbalanced, they can carry too much or too little energy to the organs, and they can create emotional havoc. Tracing them smooths and evens the flow of energy throughout the meridian system. The result is optimal health and well being. Donna Eden says in her book Energy Medicine, "As you pass your hand over a meridian, you are aligning your hand's energies with the meridian's energies, like the moon pulling the tide." #health

Deep breathing!

Deep breathing, where you fill your belly and expand your diaphragm downwards, is one of the most powerful exercise you can do to activate your lymph system which helps to detoxify your body. Practice 10 deep slow breaths counting 4 seconds in, 8 seconds hold and 8 seconds out.  Up to 70% of our body’s waste products are eliminated via our lungs and the rest through the urine, skin and feces.   Breathe long slow and deep in a mindful state as often as possible.  www.vegoutwithlinda.com


Deep breathing, where you fill your belly and expand your diaphragm downwards, is one of the most powerful exercise you can do to activate your lymph system which helps to detoxify your body. Practice 10 deep slow breaths counting 4 seconds in, 8 seconds hold and 8 seconds out. Up to 70% of our body’s waste products are eliminated via our lungs and the rest through the urine, skin and feces. Breathe long slow and deep in a mindful state as often as possible.

Friday 12 December 2014

being a WOMAN!

I am a woman. I create life. I am sacred. I am sexy. I am fiery. I am more confident than you think. I am worthier than you can ever imagine. I am immensely passionate and loving than you can ever dream of. I may be flawed and imperfect. But I am more generous and warm than you can perceive. I learn. I grow. I protect. Indeed I am thankful for being a WOMAN… ॐ 

Be water, my friend - Bruce Lee.


Wednesday 10 December 2014

Eroticism n Divine State!


Photo: Eroticism is firstly a search for pleasure, and the goal of the techniques of love is to attain… infinite delight. ॐ <3

Kama Sutra

Eroticism is firstly a search for pleasure, and the goal of the techniques of love is to attain… infinite delight. ॐ 

Kama Sutra

Tantra!

“There is no big mystery to Tantra. It is in the allowance and grace of the breath. Breathe easy and naturally and you will open the door to a sacred intent. With this sacred intent, love making becomes spiritual and holy. You open the gateway to total joy and you embrace the divine, erotic impulse. So breathe… and relax. This is tantra.” ॐ 

~ Janet Robertson




Monday 8 December 2014

Janu Sirsasana

Asana of the Week - Janu Sirsasana

Erotic - Core Energy!

Our erotic energy is our core growth energy. Acknowledging it as the core energy within ourselves leads us into sexual and personal empowerment.” ॐ 

Natarajasana

#Asana of the Week: Lord of the Dance (aka Dancers, aka standing bow&#8230; kinda)
Natarajasana.  One of yoga&#8217;s most beautiful.
[Imgur external if its easier for you]

Being Love!



"Move into the love act so deeply
That the actor is no more.
While loving,
Become love;
While caressing,
Become the caress;
While kissing,
Be the kiss." ॐ 

Friday 5 December 2014

Follow ur Bliss!

I am a vibrant sexual being. I will use this power with respect and care. I will allow myself to fully let go to pleasure. I will delight in the bliss of my sensuality. I will surrender to giving and receiving love. ॐ 

Judith Orloff, M.D.

Shakti!

I am a pillar of strength. I am fluid and ever-shifting.
I am curvy, voluptuous and undulating. I am angular, sharp and definitive.

I can take you up to the light. I can guide you into the fertile loam below.

I am called by many names.

I am SHAKTI sacred feminine life force. ॐ 



- Lisa Schrader -


power of women!


 

This dance is a prayer for women
who hold themselves back.
Who do not know their own power
as Creators, as Healers, as Givers of Life.

~ Zola Dubnikova

Soul on Fire!


Do not take this soul for granted, for she is fierce, and she can take you places that you never thought you could go; but she is still loving in the midst of it all, like the calm rain after a storm, she can bring life.
Learn her, and cherish her, respect her, and love her; for she is so much more than a pretty face, she is a soul on fire. ॐ 
 


Wednesday 3 December 2014

Embodying Nature: A Look at Yoga’s Symbolism!

When most people think of yoga, what comes to mind is the physical practice of asanas as a form of exercise. Too often, even with experienced students, the asanas are practiced with this singular thought in mind. Asanas have the potential to expand into a devotional practice which, like all spiritual practices, bring us closer to an understanding of truth.
The most common reason students give for taking a yoga class is that they are seeking relief from some musculoskeletal problem, or they want to learn how to relax. However, those who stay with the practice inevitably begin to make certain discoveries.
First, they feel better physically. Then they begin to breathe and move more freely. Their state of mind changes, their concentration improves, and they become more alert, more alive. Gradually, the student begins to get a glimpse of an aspect of self beyond the physical, mental, emotional levels - a glimpse of the truth about this entity called “self.”
Each asana affords certain physical, physiological and psychological benefits. Beyond these benefits, there also lies a mystical or spiritual meaning. Each asana creates a certain meditative state of mind.
When properly practiced, asanas utilize the full, natural range of movement of the human body. They promote efficient functioning of the internal organs, balance the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, and create an optimum state of health and well-being.
Asanas are based on a sound knowledge of human anatomy and physiology. Yogis knew that placing the body in certain positions would stimulate specific nerves, organs and glands. For example, the shoulder stand posture causes the blood to be directed by gravity to the thyroid gland, and the tucking in of the chin causes a gently squeezing action on the gland which is great for its stimulation.
Postures named after animals (fish, peacock, crow, eagle, tortoise, etc.) and nature (tree, mountain, etc.) remind us that we are connected to all creation. There is no “lower” animal kingdom, or a higher human one, but rather each one of us exists as past, present and future, all at once.
Cats, for example, are experts in relaxation. On awakening from sleep, they instinctively stretch, arch the spine in both directions, and then soften again before moving. Through the practice of replicating and recreating the movements and structure of animals and nature, we can begin to embody the wisdom of their teachings.
In many parts of the world, the symbolic meaning of animals is widely reflected in mythological beliefs. All of the symbolic images are pregnant with power within our lives. By engaging in their symbolism we are also engaging in the great unknown. This is done through the creation of a symbolic gesture of body, mind and breath, which builds a bridge between the self and the energy source that creates and sustains them.
For example, eagle pose. When we think of eagles, we often imagine one often it is the image of one soaring through the air as an expression of freedom. However, the pose in yoga is very constricted and tight. The legs wrap around each other while standing on one foot and the arms interlace and spiral upwards. Rather than the pose reflecting an expression of a flying eagle, it is instead one that is perched, patient and steady, looking with an eagle eye. The symbolism here teaches us to be focused, disciplined and strong.
For some, the ability to trust that they contain these qualities is too far-reaching. It may be easier to invoke the qualities of an eagle to be expressed through them rather than searching for something within that they may feel they do not posses. Over time, the symbolism of the bird gets layered into their own matrix and builds their inner self confidence and strength.
So the next time you’re in yoga class and you find yourself either loving or loathing a particular posture, begin to observe its meaning more deeply. See if you can move beyond the physical sheath of the body and begin to dive into the more subtle sensations that come from our layers of emotion, imagery, energy and timelessness.

via Heather Ivany


One Shot!


Saturday 29 November 2014

Yoga Doesn't Care!!!

I think this disclaimer should be read aloud to all, and posted on the wall of every yoga studio to remind us that yoga isn’t about the things.

Yoga isn’t about our lifestyle, our beliefs, our weight, our diet, our flexibility, how spiritual or enlightened we are—yoga is just about showing up and doing our dance on our mats.
Yoga doesn’t care what your hair looks like.
Yoga doesn’t care if you wear Lululemon or Spiritual Gangster.
Yoga doesn’t care if you are vegetarian, if you eat meat or know what Kombucha is.
Yoga doesn’t care when the last time you practiced was—yesterday, six months ago, never.
Yoga doesn’t care what kind of mat you have, brand new or eating away at itself.
Yoga doesn’t care if you show up cranky or exhausted.
Yoga doesn’t care what religion you believe in.
Yoga doesn’t care what color your skin is or what gender you choose to love.
Yoga doesn’t care if you wear mala beads.
Yoga doesn’t care what the tag on the back of your pants says.
Yoga doesn’t care if you don’t know what yoga means.
Yoga doesn’t care how much money you have, what house you live in, what car you drive.
Yoga doesn’t care if you are flexible.
Yoga doesn’t care if you fall over in Trikonasana.
Yoga doesn’t care if you fart during practice.
Yoga doesn’t care if you ever make it into head stand.
Yoga doesn’t care if you feel uncomfortable saying Namaste and Om.
Yoga doesn’t care if you drink super food smoothies or drink coconut water.
Yoga doesn’t care if choose the back corner or the front row of the room to practice.
Yoga doesn’t care if you stay to meditate.
Yoga doesn’t care if you can put your leg behind your head, or lick your own ass.
Yoga doesn’t care if you know what Ujjayi breath is.
Yoga doesn’t care if you smoke cigarettes, and drink whisky.
Yoga doesn’t care if you need to leave class halfway through because you’re dehydrated and need to get water.
Yoga doesn’t care if you have a man bun.
Yoga doesn’t care if your monkey mind takes over.
Yoga doesn’t care how old you are, the color of your hair doesn’t affect your practice.
Yoga doesn’t care if you juice or cleanse.
Yoga doesn’t care if you shake the entire 60 minutes.
Yoga doesn’t care if you only feel comfortable doing yoga in Mexico.
Yoga doesn’t care if you spend the entire class in child’s pose.
Yoga doesn’t care what political party you vote for.
Yoga doesn’t care if you are single or divorced.
Yoga doesn’t care if you like Rumi.
Yoga doesn’t care if you like your teacher.
Yoga doesn’t care if you complete a 30 day challenge.
Yoga doesn’t care what version of wheel you go up into.
Yoga doesn’t care if you shop at whole foods.
Yoga doesn’t care if you remember to shave your armpits.

Thursday 27 November 2014

Private Yoga Clients: What You Need to Know.

I meet a lot of yoga teachers who are teaching private yoga sessions in a way very similar to a group-led class and frankly, they're missing the mark. In a one-on-one session, teachers have an incredible opportunity to deliver a truly potent experience to their client. A lot of pieces tie into being able to deliver customizable and uniquely catered-to-the-client sessions - and usually, we’re taught none of them in our 200- and 500-hour trainings.
Being able to deliver individualized private yoga lessons initially and sustainably has a lot to do with your intake and assessment of your new client. This creates a process which you'll consistently evaluate, gauging the needs and progress of your clients and meeting them exactly where they are in their process.

Establish a robust initial intake assessment.

The first time you meet with a client, you want to have a system for making an initial assessment of a few key things, including:
• Moving through their range of motion
• Discussing their personal desires and intentions
• Defining objectives and units of measurement
• Discussing their health history and physical mobility
• Exploring their lifestyle, energetics and other quality-of-life factors
• Asking questions that explore their personality
Having an initial assessment that allows you to identify areas to focus on is essential to creating a home practice and sequence that is catered to their needs and conceived to amplify their growth.

Create the space for a consistent conversation.

One of best parts of private yoga lessons is the element of connection. You can truly connect with your clients on a personal level and open the door for cultivating conversations that will aid you in deepening the yogic experience you can provide. Set up boundaries around your conversations (but keep them focused and professional), and cultivate a dialogue that allows you to continue to explore their experiences and their needs.

Curate a system to write, revisit and revise.

Creating a system that allows you to record your clients' initial assessment and progress is key. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but you do need some documentation for your own records and for revisiting. Periodically, come back to the intake and allow this to inform your occasional re-evaluations, taking into account the work that you’ve done together up to that point and the progress. Then, don’t be afraid to revise.
A personal yoga practice is a very fluid thing – it is constantly changing as the yogi does. Don't hesitate to modify the sequence or plan you're following, especially when you're doing so directly in response to the measurement you’ve taken with your client.
What elements are you already using to evaluate your private yoga clients? What aspects do you plan to adopt?

6 Healing Sounds!

Six healing sounds balancedwomensblog.com

Thursday 6 November 2014

Yoga & Ayurveda - Siblings!

Yoga and ayurveda are inseparable sisters. Both originate as part of a greater system of Vedic knowledge (what I would call as the nurturing mother). Yoga originates in the Yajur Veda, while Ayurveda originates in the Atharva Veda and RigVeda.

Both yoga and ayurveda are based upon the principles of trigunas (sattva, rajas and tamas) and the panchamahabuthas(earth, air, fire, water, space). Yoga and ayurveda also encompass an understanding of how the body works (Dosha-Dhatu-Mala/humor-tissue-waste material theory) and the effect that food and medicines have on the body (Rasa-Veerya-Vipaka/taste-energy-post digestive effect concept).

Both of these sciences have eight branches: Ashtanga yoga and Ashtanga ayurveda. The two have a common understanding of health of the body being dependent on the health and balance of the mind. They share virtually the same metaphysical anatomy and physiology, which consists of 72,000 nadis (subtle channels), seven main chakras (energy centers), five bodily sheaths and the kundalini shakti (energy).

In treatment, both yoga and ayurveda advocate for the regular practice of pranayama and meditation as well as the use of herbs, body purification procedures, food and chanting of mantras for physical and mental health. In yoga, the body purification procedures have been explained as ‘Satkriyas’ whereas in ayurveda they are known as ‘Panchakarma’.

sukhasana