"This Yoga Saved My Life"

 Above photo via the Bikram Women's Retreat on Facebook. Photo below via FYeahYoga.

"Yoga saved my life. I now have the flexibility to cope, the calm to breathe, and the strength to hold on."


Have you ever heard a story like this? Or perhaps your yoga journey involves one that's similar?


I recently read a Patch article starring a yogini with a comparable tale. It reads:


"This yoga saved my life," said Curnett, who said she went went from having terrible asthma and allergies, being overweight, and being stressed out to becoming more forgiving, patient and loving. She's also given birth – twice – and returned to her pre-pregnancy weight both times.


I'm constantly astounded by the way a strong yoga practice can change a life so intensely. Yoga opens up so many possibilities, so many opportunities to grow -- both physically and mentally.


I'm taking a Bikram yoga class tonight after having been away from the studio on a slight hiatus. While I'm a little nervous to return to the heat, I can also feel by body longing for the medicine it so needs and has been missing. Then I've got a massage afterward... can't wait!


How has your yoga changed you lately? Do you find that change comes in waves when it comes to your yoga?


Sometimes it seems like what's happening in our lives is mirrored by what's happening in our yoga practice. Our strength on the mat leads to our strength in the world... and that, dear readers, is a wonderful thing.

 Above photo via Clayton Austin Photography. Below photo via Max Wanger.

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.

Wanted: Crazy Awesome Yogis (Get Sponsored by Alive in the Fire!)

Photo by Ron Sombilon. View his amazing photography here, or check him out on Flickr.

Readers, I have some exciting news!


This year, I am going to sponsor two or three yogis of any type of yoga and help them get started on a life-changing year of detox, relaxation, meditation, and incredible confidence-boosting yoga.


Are you a new yogi with an interest in yoga but you need help getting started?


Perhaps you need help finding a studio, a mat, some yoga wear, and the motivation to try the heat. Maybe you are feeling low, in need of self-esteem, or out of shape but don't know how to make a change.

Photo by Mika Yoga Wear.

Do you fear yoga because you are inflexible? Or because you feel judged in a room full of other more practiced yogis?


Or maybe you are an active biker or runner who wants to expand your fitness to include yoga. You might be a full-time parent that struggles to fit in a workout, and you want an incentive to treat your body better. 


Like a lot of us, you could be looking to lose weight in the new year or simply turn your body around from blah to rockin' so you feel great when you look in the mirror each day.


Finally, experienced yogis who have been practicing for awhile: I haven't forgotten about you! Maybe you are ready to step up your practice to the next level, or you are preparing for any type of Teacher Training this year. Are you ready to track your progress in each posture more clearly, or add other changes to your life to improve your yoga? I'm talking better nutrition, hydration, wellness, mental health, and overall practices for your ultimate health.

Photo by Ron Sombilon.

If you're interested, please apply to be a sponsored yogi of Alive in the Fire and email me at aliveinthefire at gmail dot com for the application. 


The process will be simple: I'll require you to write a short bio and a couple paragraphs on why you would be a great fit for the blog. You are free to send along photos, too. Whatever helps you express and communicate your strong interest in yoga and your willingness to dedicate your year to it, I want to hear it!


I will also ask that you commit to writing for the blog at various points in your journey as well as promoting the blog to others in your yoga community and your life. Our relationship will be one that is collaborative, creative and ongoing.


The rewards will be great: I will sponsor some of your yoga practice for the year; I will provide you consistent support, advice, and quick feedback on your questions and concerns; I will offer you perks and promotional yoga-related products to try; I will check in with you and hold you accountable; I will put you in touch with some of the most talented and experienced yogis and studios in the nation; and I will push you to do your best, both on and off the mat.


Together, our mantra will be what Bikram says: "If you can, you must!" (But again, this is open to any type of yoga, just for clarification!)


We will also adopt the philosophy of starting small and keeping it simple. We'll keep your personal goals, my goals, and our collective goals in mind as we move forward.


Sound like an amazing deal? (It is!) Go for it. Apply to be a sponsored yogi of the blog. Email me at aliveinthefire at gmail dot com and we'll get started.


Namaste,
Rachel and the Alive in the Fire community
Note: accepting applications through the end of the month. Apply today!

Photo by Ron Sombilon.

Change Your Life

Photo by the one and only Cassi Saari.

Anyone know this famous Rilke poem? I was reading it over again today, trying to inspire up some poetry, and I fell in love with the last line all over again.

Plus, it's an all-around fantastic poem to be reading as the year draws to a close.
Archaic Torso of Apollo

by Ranier Maria Rilke
We cannot know his legendary head
with eyes like ripening fruit. And yet his torso
is still suffused with brilliance from inside
like a lamp, in which his gaze, now turned to low,

gleams in all its power. Otherwise
the curved breast could not dazzle you so, nor could
a smile run through the placid hips and thighs
to that dark center where procreation flared.

Otherwise this stone would seem defaced 
beneath the translucent cascade of the shoulders
and would not glisten like a wild beast's fur:

would not, from all the borders of itself,
burst like a star: for here there is no place
that does not see you. You must change your life.

These beautiful words are based on an unfinished statue, and the way it took the breath away of a poet as he viewed another artist's work. Have you ever been blown away by art so fully that you feel you must change your life?

Now is the time of year that I think about the transformations we go through, the way our art changes, our circle of friends shifts, our time spent moves toward new activity. 

This is definitely the time of year when I look back, and there's a lot from 2010 to remember.

A year ago my sister had a newborn; now she smiles at a little boy and prays with him and teaches him how to speak.

A year ago the Hubs and I were stressed-out students, dating and longing for marriage, trying to plan the details of our Big Day. Here we are now, enjoying the holidays together and getting ready to return to our urban apartment life and full-time jobs.

A year ago today I was about to experience a panic attack, a tough bout of depression, and a long haul climbing back to my usual energetic, well-slept self. Today I feel amazing, so much more in tune with my personal needs and capabilities, and now I know that I have the power to avoid ever slipping into such a dark place again. I'm well-armed with family and friends that mean the world to me, with my yoga practice, and with a life spent doing the things I love. (And a blog where I can write about them and share them with you, dear readers!)

I couldn't be happier to be here, guys. Thanks for reading!

A year ago I didn't know the joys of Bikram or whether I'd have a steady job that I liked after graduating from Northwestern. Today I work full-time at a company I love, and I have plans to complete Bikram Yoga Teacher Training and fulfill my dreams of sharing this yoga with others.

A year ago none of us were who we are today.

It's been a crazy year, yogis! It's been an awesome one, too. Hope you are having fun taking a glance back at where you've been, and getting pumped for what's to come. Here's wishing you a wonderful close to 2010, and please share your stories past, present and future!

As for the Winter Extravaganza... a big congrats to Emily. You win the NYE giveaway! Please contact me with your mailing address so we can get those goodies shipped.

And speaking of shipping, if there are any winners out there who are still waiting to receive loot (and who have been waiting a while), please contact me ASAP. I want to make sure you all get your gifts in a reasonable amount of time. 

A big thanks to all our wonderful Alive in the Fire partners, too. You guys are some of the most generous people I've ever encountered (honestly!) and I hope you've enjoyed the exposure to the lovely Bikram community here at the blog. 

Namaste to all, and happy impending 2011!

Photo by the tall and talented Cassi Saari.

A quick and final note on partners: I will be posting more in-depth in the next week on what it means to partner with Alive in the Fire, how you can get involved, and the benefits of getting exposure to this Bikram yoga and blogging community. If you've got a small business -- yoga related or not -- and want to promote your goods through a lively, green, and growing outlet, please contact me today @ aliveinthefire at gmail dot com. I am looking forward to collaborating with you!

Winter Wear Coupon

Beautiful rope chain scarf from hurleysashimi on Etsy.

Hubs and I just missed the big snowstorm in Chicago so we won't be needing our winter gear for a few days, but I'm still thinking of all you snow bunnies out there! To celebrate, I'd like to offer all Alive in the Fire readers a 15% off coupon from lovely Etsy seller hurleysashimi who makes cozy neck warmers, hats, scarves, and these awesome hybrid beekeeper scarves + hoods. Amazing! 

Simply enter the code NAMASTE when checking out for your discount. Valid until 12/31/10. For holiday orders (guaranteed delivery by December 23), orders must be placed by 12/9/10.

Great scarves for guys and girls.

You'll be happy to know that 5% of hurleysashimi's orders are donated to charity and go to benefit communities in the Philippines via Kamay at Puso (Hand & Heart). Stay warm, celebrate, and give back! Place your order with hurleysashimi today.

The beekeepers are my favorite. Genuis!

Let's Party

Oh yes, we shall dance.

Sometimes you're just walking along doing what you love and then BAM! it hits you. People are noticing.

Friends, readers, yogis, we've got an awesome little community of 40 here at Alive in the Fire and I couldn't be more grateful. I'm so excited to have you around and I sincerely appreciate your time, attention, and insightful responses on the blog.

I say, let's have a party when we reach 100!

And let's each go out and invite 10 people to follow the blog, and then we can party soon!

Now's a great time to introduce your friends, family, and fellow Bikram addicts to get involved and read along... so much joy (and free stuff) to go around.

As a way to thank you all for your support, I'll be featuring a few followers only giveaways in the next couple of weeks. And all you've got to do to win is add a follower to our happy bunch. Spread the word, and then comment about it (or have your friend do so) on any post so I know what's up.

Pretty soon -- bam! -- we'll be rockin' at 100+. Get to it!

Photos by my beautiful cousin, Joelle.

This Just In: Lululemon Offering Free Yoga Passes

Lululemon's teaming up with Facebook Places and Foursquare for a yoga giveaway.

Did you hear about Gap's recent marketing stunt with Facebook Places and Foursquare?

The idea was simple: go to your local retail store, sign in on either site using your mobile device, and get a free pair of jeans. Awesome, right?

Some say it was a success. Some complained about how quickly the product was given out.

Looks like Lululemon wants to try the idea, too! They're giving away the gift of yoga. All you've got to do is go to your local store, sign in on Facebook Places or Foursquare, and then choose your class.

Go quickly! These offers end soon. Good luck and yay for free yoga! Comment below about the studios where you are taking class!

Focus Forward Friday: Follow the Blog!

If this were a painting, I'd call it "Illumination."

Here at Alive in the Fire, you never know when you might win something awesome just for following along.

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

Today's focus: unexpected rewards. So I recently posted on Twitter that the first person to click "Follow" on Alive in the Fire after reading the tweet would win a special surprise. Congrats, Jose Pena, you were first!

And many thanks to Christina, HealthOC, and Kate for also adding the blog to your list of reads. Welcome, lovely yogis. It's wonderful to have you here. Also, if you're not yet a regular follower, I'd love if you'd click the little button to the right and stick around. I'd also love to hear from you!

Anyway, I just wanted to show you the prize I put together for Jose. It includes a cool note:

Custom art-note, woohoo!

I also included some stellar supplements for keeping hydrated in and out of the hot room:

• Hammer Nutrition gel & fortified drink mix
• emergenC lemon/lime vitamin drink packets
• Balance and Vitality YogaEarth nutrition mixes for pre-practice and post-practice

Hopefully this little care package will inspire all of you to keep up on your electrolytes and vitamins especially as the weather turns colder. Tis the season for colds and the flu!

Also remember: you never know what benefits you might discover simply by trying something new. Next time you're in Standing Bow pose, what if you held it the whole 60 seconds? What if, in Camel, instead of getting overwhelmed, you just surrendered to the moment and enjoyed the release in your spine and neck? What if you left your water on the floor during "Party Time" and just focused on your breath instead?

Bikram says, "If you can, you must." Can you take the harder path? 

Can you love your neighbor as yourself? 

Can you let go? 

You must. And guess what? The rewards will follow.

Guys Who Bikram: What's Your Story?

Alright, dudes. It's your time on Alive in the Fire!

Have you heard? I'm collecting stories from male yogis with enthusiasm, experience and humility about their yoga journey. I'd love to hear from you! 

Send me a message: aliveinthefire@gmail.com. Please include some background on how you found your yoga, why you love it, what your favorite posture is, perhaps some goals for the future, and of course photos! Not required, but highly encouraged. Tell your friends, too!

Here you'll find four of my favorite men: Nick, Professional Best Man and Lake Michigan Swimmer. Josh, the Hubs of my Dreams.


Isaac, Best Brother Out There. And Dad, A Real Sailor.


I love them all dearly and truly admire them for their ability to be masculine and yet compassionate, to pursue their passions, to enjoy life, and to kick butt at what they do. I believe real men know that there's more to their manliness than just testosterone and pride; being a man also means loving unconditionally and letting go sometimes, too.


All of these sexy men know how to do just that.


Thanks for being awesome, guys. You are the kind of friends, husbands, brothers, and fathers that some people wish for, but I'm lucky enough to enjoy every day. I love you!


...Oh, and let me know when you want to come to yoga! I'd love to drag you into the heat for a real workout.

Check It: An End of Weekend Update for the Blog-Obsessed, Apple-Loving Yogis Out There

Aurajoon's blog is one of my favorites out there. She takes the best photos, too!

Hey friends. Happy end of weekend! Are you cozied up in your home? Spending time with your loved ones before the work week launches off?

I hope so.

I have a few little things from around the Web to share. In case you're bored, watching your husband sleep on the couch (or your little one, maybe?), or just taking a moment for yourself to catch up on the blogosphere. Here you are!

Blogs, Baby
So I've found a couple new ones I'm loving, plus there are old favorites I highly recommend you check out. 

• Aurajoon, I'm gushing over your newest developments at home. This lady writes one of the most gorgeous blogs around and she's about to have a little babe! I felt silly, but I literally squealed upon reading the news (I know, crazy, cuz I haven't even met her). I've been following her posts about beautiful homegrown garden produce, lazy afternoons with her family, and the tasty cooking she does often. I highly recommend taking a glance at her posts, especially if you have a passion for gardening and homegrown food. She's wonderful. Congrats, lady, on your newest life journey! I will pray for the little one and that your pregnancy goes smoothly.

A pretty, pretty baby is on the way: news from Aurajoon.

• Enjoy Small Notebook if you want ideas on how to live simply, gracefully, and peacefully in your home. And, as the site's bio reads, it's a great spot for those who believe that "you don't need to buy more storage containers to get organized." Amen to that! And thanks, Ash, for sharing this lovely gem and for your constant inspiration when it comes to homemaking, cooking & the art of marriage.
• Have you ever glanced through Darling Dexter? It's a creation by Whitney Deal, graphic designer, photographer & awesome wife who is working on developing her own fashion line. She often shares stunning photos like this one of her lovely cacti:

Yay succulents.

• For Once, Then, Something is a blog about, well, everything and nothing at all, it seems. I really enjoy the well-orchestrated chaos that this site brings together. Beautiful juxtapositions. Images that burn. Words with gusto. (Like today's post? A Rwandan proverb: "You can out-distance that which is running after you, but not what is running inside you." Good stuff!) All in all, it's art worth remembering...and sharing, I say.
• My good friend Veronica Roth is a writer with a sweet book deal with Harper Collins (three YA fiction novels -- dystopian thrillers, oh yeah! Her first is called Divergent and it looks brilliant). Anyway, we recently caught up and talked all things weddings cuz, um, I'm pretty much still obsessed even though our Big Day came and went, and she's engaged at the moment. But anyway, Veronica is one heck of a talented writer, a compassionate Christian friend, and really just one of the coolest and funniest people I know. I love her sense of style, humility & sarcasm. Like this post. Pretty much the best. Thanks, V, for swinging by and hope I see you again soon!
• Last but not least up, a new friend who I recently encountered and discovered is a soulmate-to-be: we are both huge health freaks, we love art, we dig great coffee, and we believe in saving run-over pigeons who have a fighting chance (she actually did this recently, so I give HUGE props! And the bird lived! Just goes to show what a little faith can do for you, friends. And research skills when you need to find Chicago's Pigeon Guy!). Anyway, Cate with a C is a beautiful lady and a unique artist with a vision for the world unlike most. Her gentle speech, down-to-earth style, and laid-back demeanor just make me happy. I can't wait to hang out more soon and hopefully have Cate over to paint a little mural on our dining room wall (the Chicago skyline, oh yeah). Here's one of her art pieces, and be sure to check out the rest about her exuberant work!

Art is property of Cate Fhionnain, a caring lady with some big talent. Hire her today for a commissioned piece!

The Big Apples
Alright, we've all been blabbering about fall and how lovely it is for quite a few weeks now. And not to discount the autumn season, my favorite time of year, and its crunchy leaf piles, cozy sweaters, pumpkin patches, and chance to harvest everything wonderful in the world...but dudes, there is something else you need to take advantage of here. I mean, get in the car and enjoy before it's too late...


That's right: apple orchards! Namely the ones where you can run through corn mazes too! Oh man, oh boy, next weekend the Hubs and the Best Man and I are GOING! I am so stoked. Like, jumping up and down, pee your pants like a little kid laughing excited. It's pretty silly, actually. We have the bags on our counter and I wiggle whenever I walk by.


I've already made an apple crisp just using leftover apples and ones on sale at the market and I'm still pretty darn enthusiastic about this trip. We're accompanying friends from Brella, where my sexy man works, and I can just tell it's going to be a great time. I'm hoping I can wear orange plaid, cowboy boots, and my big grin around all day. And I will have pictures (and new pies, and cider, and probably apple butter) afterward, believe it. 


What are you baking lately? Done any apple picking?

Easy recipe for calm and success: DO YOUR YOGA.

Back on the Mat
OK dudes, last update of the evening. Today I hit the heat like a real yogi and it felt so amazingly fantastic even though I hadn't been in almost a week. I was feeling The Yoga Truck after the chiropractic news and all the busy-ness I've had with work lately, but this was just getting sad! 


No yoga = very sad me. Generally just twitchier, more tired, distracted, unable to remember little details. And since I've got tons of details going on lately, it makes for a rough day/ week! I'm so glad to be back on track and enjoying time in the studio.


I felt beautiful in front of the mirror today. Centered on the postures. Welcoming, open, warm. Not distracted by those around me, or the silly remarks by my instructor as he first walked in: "Alright, yogis. We're trying to fix this. The new policy is: when you see the lights in the front of the studio go out, get your ASS in the room! No exceptions!" 


I love moments like this and it was a great start to class. Reminded me that there are no excuses for not being there to get your Bikram on. We all need it. Make it happen!


Here's to a blissful week filled with yoga, readers! Keep me posted on your adventures, and I will do the same. Namaste.

The time for romping in the woods is now. Photo via Aurajoon.