Yogi Tattoos: Got One?

Photos via the Bikram Women's Retreat on Facebook.

Hey yogis! Happy Thursday. Hope you're having a rockin' end to the week.

Are you practicing your yoga? I'm excited: I'm heading to a class tonight at Grateful Yoga of Evanston, a local studio I love. Nick and Lela, the owners and head teachers there, are amazing people. So full of heart! I'll be posting about them again soon.

Plus, tomorrow I'm going to be teaching a little mini yoga class at Northwestern's huge philanthropy event Dance Marathon. I'll be leading the group's highest fundraising individuals (probably around 20-30 undergrads) in a short flow class. It should be fun to incorporate the most invigorating postures so they don't fall asleep on me! During the event they dance for 30 hours straight, and the class is being held about half way through... so I'll be making it as engaging and fun as possible. No savasanas :)

It should be a fun and yoga-filled end to the week. Where are you practicing?

And are you sporting a sweet tattoo at your yoga studio? Lately I've been a little obsessed with them.

I'm also planning a blog post featuring yogis I know with awesome body art. Want to be included? Send me an email with an image of your tattoo! (You can reach me at aliveinthefire at gmail dot com.) You can also leave a comment below and I'll follow up with you. 


Hope to hear from you (and see your sick tatts) soon, yogis!


PS Check out Teeg's awesome response to this post. Namaste.

Losing the Ego

Photo via Bikram Yoga Chaswick in London.

I came across an awesome article on Yoga Journal today about important lessons that will transform your yoga practice. It's inspired me to reflect on some of the same topics, especially what the place is for ego in the yoga room -- which is nowhere.


There is no place for the ego in the yoga room. The effort of yoga is to lose the ego, to experience motionless, to embody effortlessness... while exerting maximum effort.

Can you try harder? If you can, you must. Photo via the Bikram Women's Retreat on Facebook.

Once you learn to give up your own ego in the room, on your mat, and at your studio, then your heart opens to what yoga truly is.


Yoga is not about judging. It is about forgiving. And not just others around you, but forgiving yourself. For being imperfect. For sometimes judging yourself based on your ability to execute a posture rather than on your own personal character and true worth.


Yoga is about meeting your edge in class, not comparing yourself to others and risking injury.


Yoga is about taking care of yourself in the room, while also listening to your instructor's words to push, push, push you to do your best.


Yoga is about not being scared to fail and try again. Like if you fall out of a posture, you get right back in. Or if you fall on your face because you tried a ridiculously hard arm balance, you laugh it off and are proud of yourself for giving your best effort.

Photo via Yoga Dudes on Tumblr.

Yoga requires effort. Yes, we relax in savasana and in child's pose or half-tortoise pose, but a majority of our class is spent focusing our energies toward specific muscle groups. Flexing those muscles. Learning what power we have. Finding a perfect marriage of the heart and lungs. Or maybe even having a mini heart attack now, so we won't suffer one later!


If you're not sweating, concentrating hard, and challenging yourself, you're not making the most of your yoga experience. And this goes for both heated and non-heated classes :)

Now that's yoga that requires effort: Balancing Stick pose! Photo via Bikram Yoga Richmond.

In yoga, you learn to let go. Even if you're annoyed by the yogis around you, or the teacher at the podium, or the stuff that happened at work before you came to class.


Unless you allow yourself to clear your mind by engaging your body, your yoga gets you nowhere.

Photo via the Bikram Women's Retreat on Facebook.

Announcing the Sponsored Yogis for 2011!

 

The decision was hard. The applications were incredible. A big thanks to all who entered!

And now, Alive in the Fire would like to introduce the blog's sponsored yogis for this year...

Emily Berna,

Nicole Crist,

and

Hans Park!

along with an extraordinarily awesome guest post team: 

Dana Almdale

Richard Krzyzanowski

Beth Morey

Annie Sullivan

 Emily Taggart

This is me, shouting a much deserved: CONGRAAAAAAATS!

In the weeks and months to come, you'll be hearing from these yogis who are located all around the country and who practice a variety of yoga styles ranging from Bikram to Vinyasa to Anusara and Yin, and more.

They are teachers and students.

Men and women with compassion.

Brilliant writers, designers and thinkers who are ready to share their reflections on life as it's lived both on and off the mat.

I couldn't be more excited to have them on board!

I'd also like to send out a personal thank you to every blog reader who entered the sponsorship program. I hope the application process was fulfilling and helped you learn more about yourself and your yoga practice.


I couldn't be more stoked to share some of your stories in the weeks to come, too. I value and appreciate your feedback and your ideas about the blog.


Thanks to you and your honest input, you can expect to see some exciting changes around here at Alive in the Fire, including:

• new design
• more continuity 
• a new series or two
• some new personal posts
• advice on specific postures, plus a comprehensive guide to every Bikram asana in the 26-posture series
• more info for yogis who don't practice Bikram
• more info for guys who yoga

Thanks to you, the blog is better and it's growing. I hope you'll stay tuned for some lovely input from the sponsored team, starting with their bios next week (plus the cutest bio video ever!).


And once again, a big fat congrats to the sponsored yogis, guest bloggers, and to every applicant who submitted. You are amazing!

A new day, a new dawn (on the blog). Beautiful! Photo via One Love Photography.

Do Your Bikram, And Then Some

Photo source unknown.

Anyone else out there get sick of your own yoga practice sometimes? Lately I've been lacking motivation to hit the hot room (Gasp! Terrible, right? And from a Bikram blogger no less. Well, at least I'm keeping things honest here on Alive in the Fire). 

It's like I need a little something fresh in my routine.

Last night I put in an awesome Kundalini class at home (this DVD with Maya Fiennes, who totally rocks). It felt wonderful to do some different poses and breathing exercises, and it totally woke my spine, mind and overall body up in lovely ways.

Bikram yogis, do you ever get a little sick of the 26 posture series?

Find yourself craving a little Downward Dog, Cat pose, or straight up Child's pose?

I know, I know. Bikram says downward dog is not real yoga. He says it is the "American circus" of yoga. He also says the props used in styles like Iyengar make that style "a Santa Monica sex shop."

Well, I say there's a reason certain that Hatha yoga classes have been practicing sun salutations for centuries. And why there's more to Hatha yoga than the 26 postures you find in a Bikram class.

We need them too! We need a mix of standing balancing postures, and spine strengtheners, but we could also benefit greatly from a little Wheel, Crane, and Pigeon here and there.

Photo via Sarah Rhoads.

Maybe it's a silly analogy, but it's a little like my morning breakfast routine. I love cereal. Lately I eat it pretty much every day. But I can't subsist on just Raisin Bran, or only Honey Bunches of Oats. I need some Cinnamon Life every now and then. And on some days: Cinnamon Toast Crunch.


Occasionally we need those postures that make us feel good -- like the days we need sweet kiddy cereal in the morning to kick-start our day. Sometimes we need a super challenge, like Headstand or Scorpion.


Sure, we need our solid foundation -- our Bikram classes, and our consistent practice in the Hot Room. In the mornings, we need a mix of nutrients in our cereal, and it makes breakfast more enjoyable if we can try new tastes now and then too.


We need breaks from our own routine. To try a class that's not heated, or go for some postures we've never attempted before.


How will we improve if we don't challenge ourselves?


I can't not mention the Advanced Bikram series here, because I know that class involves a lot of the more difficult Hatha postures, and it really does work your body in completely new ways and expands greatly on the Beginner's class. But bottom line -- Bikram yogis who aren't teachers (and never want to be teachers) should have access to more yoga than just the Bikram series.


So if you're feeling like you're in a bit of a rut and you've got to keep on keepin' on with your yoga... try something new. (And if you can, go for Teacher Training! Take the advanced class. By all means, it's an amazing way to step up your Bikram.)


Or, buy a single class at a new studio or a new DVD from Amazon. Check out a yoga book you've been eyeing at the library for a while now. Take a Zumba class with your friend at the gym!


Choose to see your yoga differently, or yourself differently for a bit. It might just make you realize: you are not a Bikram-only yogi. You've just been a yogi all along.

Sometimes taking a closer look can show you something new. A bride is not only a bride; she's also just a thirsty lady having the best day of her life.

Photo via W. Scott Chester Photography.

PS On a related "expand your practice; it's good for you" note -- I'll be teaching a little yoga workshop tomorrow night! I can't wait :)

PPS I absolutely love Bikram yoga. It is my foundation. I need more of it, just like I need more variety. At the workshop, I'll be teaching Bikram postures (not to the exacts dialogue, but I know some tidbits will work their way in... "lean back, fall back, way back..." Haha. How could they not, after hearing those words so many times?!). 

Anyway, I hope this post gets you thinking. Bottom line, in case you were wondering: Bikram is my core yoga, but I also love being open to other styles. I'm also curious: what styles do you practice? Do you Bikram, and then some? I'd love your feedback in the comments below. And here's to a yoga-filled weekend!

Bandha Bandha!

Illustration from Bandha Yoga. Click the image to learn more about these awesome books!

If you're following the blog, you've seen my latest posts about these awesome Bandha Yoga books. Check out this awesome illustration indicating the way yoga helps you find great alignment and balanced energy in your chakras. Pretty beautiful, huh?

If you click on the image above or the ones below, you can learn more about the books and even place an order for one of your own.


I spent a couple hours browsing through pages and reading about how my muscles work together during different postures. I was amazed at how much there is to learn beyond the experience of the yoga! Even after we've felt our bodies in the postures, or heard from instructors about the best and safest way to do Triangle or Eagle, we still have lots we can learn from these books. Check 'em out!


PS I'll be bringing my copy over to Bikram Yoga Evanston soon, so if you're local, keep your eyes peeled for a copy sitting with all of Stu's other yoga books in the lobby. Enjoy!

Focus Forward Friday: Get Sponsored to Do Yoga

Photo via Coffee and Yoga.

Focus Forward Friday: 
A weekly ritual for deepening your practice.

Today's focus: the blog sponsorship. Did you read my recent post on how you can get free classes, sweet yoga wear, green products, and a whole bunch of awesome custom yoga advice and motivation from yours truly?

If you missed out, here are the details again.

Who: any yogi, male or female, any age, any location, who practices any style of yoga (not just Bikram!).

When: apps due by the end of January (I can extend the deadline by a few days if you need a bit of extra time). Winners will be announced in early February.

Sponsorship may also induce happiness, relaxation and mind-body connection. 

Photos via Coffee and Yoga.

What: if you are chosen, you'll get a bunch of sweet perks. Free yoga classes (details to be determined). Lots of loot (yoga wear, cool products, treats from me and other blog partners). Excellent advice from an advanced Bikram student who's practiced a variety of styles and who's passionate about sharing yoga with others (and teaching one day!). Ongoing communication. The chance to write for the blog, promote it to your yoga community, and watch it grow. And much, much more! 

How: email me at aliveinthefire at gmail dot com for an application. Then I'll send you the form to fill out with more info on your background, your yoga practice, and what you plan to bring to the blog space and community if you are chosen. Note: you'll want to be sure to read the fine print and sign digitally before you send back. Photos welcome, too! I like being able to put names to faces, and if you've got a shot of yourself doing your favorite posture, that's perfect.


A quick note: only dedicated yogis need apply. I plan to choose someone as my go-to person for discussing yoga-related topics and creative ideas for the blog. I expect to find someone who's creative, fun, laid-back, punctual, hardworking, and kind. I want someone with extreme enthusiasm for their yoga, for the blog, and for making positive changes in their life. If you're not ready to make the commitment, please don't ask for an application.


Along the same lines: please feel free to use your creativity here! You'll need to fill out the application, but if you are so inclined to add to it, share the blog with your friends, increase the followers and invite people to check out the Twitter, by all means -- go for it! Going above and beyond won't hurt your chances :)


Are you ready to take your yoga practice to the next level? 


Contact me today. (aliveinthefire at gmail dot com)

This is not the end; there is no end in yoga. Photo via Coffee and Yoga.

Focus Forward Friday: Do More Than Bikram

Photos via Google and the Breakti website. Go Anya!

Focus Forward Friday: 
A weekly ritual for deepening your practice.

Today's focus: trying new styles. Have you ever taken a hot Vinyasa flow class? Or tried Forrest yoga? What about Breakti? I bet you'd be up for a little breakdancing along with your yoga flow. I certainly would!

This month I've been adventuring around Chicago to new studios, and my body has been thanking me for trying new postures, meeting new teachers, and mixing it up on the mat.

I highly recommend you expand your Bikram practice with a few other classes each week. Often studios have intro specials or free community classes if your budget is an issue. You can always contact teachers and studio owners, too, and see if you can work something out.

If you've tried a new style you love, share a comment below! I'd love to hear how expanding your practice has helped your yoga, physically and mentally. I'd also love to hear if you have a favorite yoga book or DVD you're into lately.

I'll be sharing some stories very soon about practicing at a California Bikram studio, at TruHarmony Chicago (vinyasa), and at YogaNow Chicago (a Forrest class). Stay tuned!

Namaste and happy Friday, all. Enjoy your yoga!

How Happy is Your Yoga Bum?

Photo of K.Deer Model via her site. These are the beautiful bumbums I've been loving lately!

A couple days ago another Bikram blogger, The Dancing J over at Keep it Locking, posted about the crazy costumes we wear to yoga class.

I loved her reflections on how appearance can make us feel more ready for our practice, whether we are a student or a teacher.

And she notes that the dialogue even refers to "costumes." She says: 

It happens a couple of times. ("Heel touching the costume, sole of the foot facing the ceiling.") It’s an apt description. We do put on costumes to do yoga.  Everyone has at least one article of clothing - a favorite tank top or pair of shorts - that is For Yoga. And when you put that clothing on, you are in your yoga costume, looking like a yogi, ready to try to do some yoga.

Isn't it interesting how a fun pair of shorts or a low-cut bra, or a big t-shirt, or no t-shirt at all can affect the way you think of yourself at yoga?

I definitely have my favorite outfits. Most recently, I've added a pair of "bum bum" shorts from K. Deer's haute yoga wear line. I love them!

Photo of K.Deer Model via her site.

Photo of the entire K.Deer line via her site. Look at that awesome selection!

Kristine's line is fantastic -- lots of wild colors and prints, and most everything can be ordered in matching sets of headbands and shorts. The fabric she uses is super flexible and doesn't slip (so you can rest assured that your bum won't be hanging out during the postures... and that's nice, because you've got enough to worry about in yoga anyway!).


Check out her main website, which links to her Etsy shop. So many fun pairs of shorts to choose from!


And all of these look and feel (and perform) like true Bikram outfits, the ones you see being worn by advanced and stylish students. 


Me, I just got lucky, because my friend Jenn at Yoga With Style told me about them! You can shop there for K.Deer's stuff, too.

  

Heads up to TruHarmony (Chicago) and Bikram Yoga Evanston readers: I'll be posting some awesome flyers in the locker rooms in the next week or so. They feature coupons so you can place an order for a discount! Woohoo!


I encourage all readers to check out K. Deer's awesome stuff, and let me know if you have questions or feedback.


Here's to happy yoga bums!

Photo of K.Deer Model via her site.

Bandha Yoga Books: Science + Yoga

I'll be reviewing this book soon! Image copyright © 2005, 2006 Raymond A. Long MD.

You practice yoga, but how much do you know about the science behind your body's movement throughout the postures?

I recently discovered Bandha Yoga (www.BandhaYoga.com), an awesome resource that can help any yogi understand the anatomy behind the practice of yoga.

Ever wondered why you're having trouble with tight hamstrings or hips? Pain in the soles of your feet? Increasing your lung capacity during breathing exercises?

Bandha Yoga's incredible (and incredibly thorough) website and books can show you the reason for these common struggles, as well as provide anatomical information on musculature and bone structure to help explain why you're experiencing them.

Click here for a sample chapter from Bandha Yoga.

An excerpt from one of the awesome books. Image copyright © 2005, 2006 Raymond A. Long MD.

The site (www.BandhaYoga.com) and line of books are incredible. I highly recommend a visit to the site to explore. You can check out anatomical photos of different postures, browse through the books, and even download images to help your own practice.

Bonus: I'll be reviewing the book on Vinyasa Flow and Standing Poses in a couple of weeks. You won't want to miss that post!


In the meantime, check out Scientific Keys Vol 1 - The Key Muscles of Hatha Yoga. This will help you whether you practice Bikram or a different version of Hatha Yoga. Totally fascinating!

The skeleton guys are a bit creepy at first, but the science behind them is eye-opening!

Image copyright © 2005, 2006 Raymond A. Long MD.

The World's Youngest Yoga Teacher

Photo via the Daily Mail article which I discovered via F***YeahYoga.

Can you imagine teaching yoga at age six?!

I just discovered this amazing article about Shruti, the world's youngest yoga teacher. She has been teaching adults at an ashram in northern India for the last two years. Incredible!

As the article reports, 'Her trainer, Hari Chetan, 67, set up the ashram 35 years ago and as soon as little Shruti became one of his students, as a tiny four-year old, he spotted her talents." 

Photo via the Daily Mail article which I discovered via F***YeahYoga.

Major props to both Shruti and Hari for the patience, courage and energy it must take for her to teach classes (starting at 5:30am) as well as perfect all the postures she practices. The little girl has a killer scorpion pose already!


Her teacher says she's a natural, a fast learner and a perfectionist, and her students say she is extremely patient and has even helped them calm their anger. I say: amazing!

Black Friday Giveaway: Some Like it Hot

Happy Black Friday!

Where are you celebrating a day of shopping, relaxing and working off your feast at Bikram?

Here's what I've got to work off from yesterday. Whew!

I am so excited to take class at Bikram Yoga Minneapolis with my cousin Joelle and our friend Matt this afternoon. Woohoo first timers!

In case you're a little nervous to try the yoga today, here are some reasons why you should rest easy and get fired up for class:

• You'll sweat out all the toxins and feel lighter and tighter after class.
• You will leave the studio feeling exhilarated, rejuvenated and invigorated.
• In class you will sweat, laugh, and challenge yourself to your fullest potential.
• Reduce stress of the holidays by taking 90 minutes for yourself.
• It's never too late to try again.
• If you can, you must!

Now for the Black Friday giveaway! Today's item comes from Yoga with Style: a hilarious and high-quality hot yoga towel...

Humor in the heat, my favorite.

This Baktuli high-performance sport and yoga towel will give you power and energy in class. It's a 100% Turkish cotton terry towel featuring Microban for anti-microbial protection. This towel is super absorbent and offers great grip and durability. Machine washable. Can be used in the studio, home or at the beach. Designed in Canada; made in Turkey. A wondrous find and free to one winner (valued at over $45)!

This site's got an awesomely diverse shop with clothing, bags, blankets, gifts, jewelry, mats & more!

To win the hot towel, please:

• Leave a comment below about your craziest experience in the heat, and where you wish you could travel to this winter for some sunshine and warm weather.
• Check out the Yoga with Style blog and comment on their 12 Days of Breathing post (consider participating, too!).
• Add Yoga with Style on Facebook and Twitter.
• Enjoy the heat in class today!

Please note: domestic winners only.

Brrrrr. It's chilly out! About ten degrees here in Minnesota.

Bundle up out there! See you at the studio for some holiday heat.