Introducing Rich

Photo via The Vagabond Bond.

Happy Monday, oh blog world! It's been a while. How was your weekend?

I hope you all had time to do some yoga, relax, and enjoy the inklings of spring. We had plenty of sun here in Chicagoland, but the temperature has still been freezing! I can't wait for some warmer weather.

It's been a couple weeks since I introduced you to a sponsored yogi, and I've got another one to add to the mix today -- welcome, Rich! If you're following the blog, you've read some of Rich's work before, like his post from the Real Men Do Yoga series, or his recent poetic reflections on his practice and what it means to be a warrior.

I've had the privilege of meeting with Rich and practicing at each other's studios -- we did a hot vinyasa class at TruHarmony in the city a while back, and he joined me for a Bikram class at Bikram Yoga Evanston not too long ago.

Rich has an incredible positive outlook on life, and he's super dedicated to his practice. You'll be hearing more from him in the months to come! In the meantime, this is his story on how he discovered yoga and why it's changed his life for the better. Enjoy!

 Photos courtesy of Richard Krzyzanowski.

From Rich:


My life was a mess. I had to give up on something that I had dedicated myself to for three years. I had been hit by a car, a bus, and lightning (the lightning was indirect). I was having a horrible time. 


Every time I saw my sister, she was this smiling, happy, ball of sunshine. Not to mention that she looked great. So I asked her what she was doing. 


She told me yoga.


I thought at it for minute and decided that I wanted to try it. For my birthday, she got me a mat and a few private lessons at TruHarmony Yoga. I knew immediately that this was something that I would be doing a lot of. 

 

 Photos courtesy of Richard Krzyzanowski.

I started practicing two days a week at first. On the days that I wasn't practicing, I found myself wishing I was at the studio. So I started practicing three days a week. 


I felt amazing. My head was clearer than it had ever been. My body was in better condition than it had ever been in. I noticed that my interactions with others began to change. I was looking at my entire life differently. 


I started practicing six days a week. That is where I currently am.


Namaste,
Rich

Introducing Nicole

All photos courtesy of Nicole Crist.

Who do you know that can dance upside-down like a trapeze artist, is a successful entrepreneur and blogger, and regularly practices yoga in the Big Apple?

No one, right?

Well, think again. Cuz now you've met Nicole Crist, an extraordinary Alive in the Fire sponsored yogi. She does all of these amazing things! 

Nicole stands out among the crowd because she is fearless, fun, and super fit. She always has something passionate (and compassionate) to share on her blog space, and her work as an artist is inspiring.

I'm excited to welcome Nicole to Alive in the Fire and couldn't be more stoked that you'll be hearing lots from her soon. For more info from Nicole about her yoga and her life, read below!

 

I am a self-employed entrepreneur and love to balance my three businesses while sitting in a toe stand. I am super excited to be a sponsored yogi for Alive in the Fire and passionate about sharing all my sticky Bikram experiences with you! 

Still fairly new to yogi-ism, I can't do a yoga headstand but I can hang upside-down! I am a professional 'aerialista' with my dance company, Altitude Aerials (my favorite biz of the three). I am also a blogger myself, writing about her aerial adventures and living fit, confident and creative on Moving Life Blog. 

For more about Nicole's business, read here. And yes, you will see her 'hanging around' here quite a bit in the months to come. Welcome, Nicole!

Introducing Hans

Photos courtesy of Hans Park and taken by Cara Grimshaw Photography.

Meet another Sponsored Yogi! I'd like to introduce you to Hans, who's representing Alive in the Fire from Canada and who you first met through the Real Men Do Yoga series.

Hans is the kind of yogi who's definitely dedicated to taking great classes on the mat, but who also loves the challenge of another sport or another kind of workout. For him, the alternative to yoga is roller derby. It makes sense, since this is another intense mind-body experience that, like his Bikram practice, requires acute concentration as well as flexibility and strength. I'll be excited to learn more from Hans about both of his preferred workouts, plus hear details on what the culture of Bikram yoga studios is like in the Vancouver area.

More from Hans on his unique background and yoga practice:

I currently work for Environment Canada and provide operational support to the Envivronmental Enforcement Officers. If you can picture CSI, I am like the guy in the lab that appears in every episode who supports the investigators who do the field work (except I do administrative and supply work). That description seems to work for most people. 

I also work for the Canadian army part time as a Combat Engineer. Before the career change, I worked in Africa in humanitarian aid. I hope to continue this in a short-term consulting role in the future. 

In my spare time, I watch a lot of live music and take photos of the bands for fun, take my teenage cousin to the movies, exercise regularly, and enjoy the west coast Canadian lifestyle. I also started skating with the men's roller derby team around the same time I started practicing yoga, and both are a lot of fun.

From Rich: Thoughts on Warrior Training

Photo via Yoga Dudes on Tumblr.

Thoughts on Warrior Training
by Rich, a sponsored yogi


I am a peaceful warrior.
I journey further down that path every day.

Some days I am frightened.
Some, I am invincible.

I have no particular quarrels with you or anyone else.
My war rages within me.

I prepare not to do battle,
But rather to continue fighting.

Some days it is all I have.
Others, all I want.

My peace comes in moments of control, 
Packaged smaller than the blink of an eye.

I have found myself somewhere I've never been,
Never knew existed.

I put that place in a box for later.
I will  revisit that place when I am better prepared.

For now, I will finish my warrior training
And be on my peaceful way.

Introducing Emily

emily, a love story. from emily berna on Vimeo.

Next up in the Sponsored Yogis, I'd like to introduce you to Emily Berna. She is one creative lady who totally blew me away with this sweet video in her application for the sponsorship program. 

Isn't it adorable?! Totally demonstrates her passion for cool digital media and for yoga. A wonderful mix if you ask me :)

Photos courtesy of Emily.

Here's a bit more from Emily on her background and yoga:

I teach high school chemistry on the south side of Chicago.  I used to work in environmental consulting, but didn't love it, so I decided to teach.  In addition to yoga I love cooking, photography, gardening, knitting, reading, and avoiding housework.  


I'm excited for the sponsorship because I'm so new to yoga I haven't had much chance to explore all the different styles and meet all the different people who practice yoga.  I'm looking forward to sharing my experiences and learning from others about anything related to yoga.  

Introducing Beth

Photo via Vagabond Bond.

Morning, yogis! Hope you're having a bright start to the day. The Hubs and I were up super early today since he's off on a shoot for work, so I'm enjoying a hot cup of coffee and a quiet office.

What are you up to today? Are you on the mat? Already working? I hope whatever you're up to, you're living your yoga!

Over the next few days, I'd like to introduce you to the sponsored yogis team.

You're going to be hearing from them often and I have high hopes for the mix of voices that you'll be able to read on the blog. More than ever, Alive in the Fire will represent a community of yogis of all ages and all styles. I challenge you to get in touch with us -- send your thoughts, opinions and feedback our way! I'm looking forward to the great conversation, and couldn't be more excited to welcome these new writers.

Without further ado, first up: Beth Morey!

Photos courtesy of Beth Morey.

Beth is a writer living in western Montana with her husband and three dogs. Even just from reading a few entries on her blog, I can tell that Beth has a kind heart and loving soul. She is honest, moves through life with integrity and purpose, and takes time to enjoy the small joys in life. Plus, she hula hoops! So she has a great sense for how to make time for herself and have fun doing the things she loves.

Beth also posted about her excitement for the Alive in the Fire sponsorship on her blog today. Do check it out!

More from Beth:

When I’m not crafting novels (or pulling out my hair over said novels), I enjoy hula hoop dance, photography, board games, alpacas, and the great outdoors (in addition to yoga, of course!).  I also write the balanced living blog, To the Fullest.  

I have been practicing yoga off and on since 2003, and love a vigorous vinyasa class.  Thrilled to receive an Alive in the Fire sponsorship, I hope that it will both deepen my practice and help combat recent health issues, weight gain, and an ongoing eating disorder battle.  I believe that yoga helps with everything!  

Names to Faces

We're yogis. We blog about it.

Introducing some fiery friends. Check em out!

More information (bios and backgrounds) coming soon. 

Stay tuned.

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.

Surrender

Photo via F Yeah Yoga.

Happy Monday, all!

A few quick announcements. First: a great challenge for the start of a new week. Can you surrender yourself to the moment? Can you let go of your expectations?

If it's one thing Bikram yoga teaches us, it's that patience always wins. And that if you let someone steal your peace, you lose!

Breathing deep, surrendering to the moment, embracing the here and now: these are the methods that lead to peace.

Secondly, we've got a few delays for the Yogi Sponsorship 2011 winners. Apologies to all of you who are waiting to hear the news, but it looks like I'll need a few more days before I can make the big announcement. In the meantime, I really appreciate your patience.

Hey, if nothing else -- it will keep you on your toes (higher on the toes!) this week. :)

Photos via Hot Bikram Yoga Fulham in London.

Sponsored Yogis Coming Soon!

Photo via Dudes Doing Yoga on Tumblr.

Happy Friday, yogis! I hope you're celebrating the weekend already.

Anyone have any fun Super Bowl plans? Amazing appetizers you're planning to make for friends and family when they come over to watch the game?

The Hubs and I aren't sure of our plans yet, but there very well could be some tasty hot wings involved. And definitely guac. :)

Just wanted to share a little update with you on the Alive in the Fire Yogi Sponsorship 2011 program. I've been receiving all sorts of amazing applications and I can't wait to share the results very soon!

Photo via Dudes Doing Yoga on Tumblr.

I hope to have an announcement for you on Monday. It's going to be a tough decision to say the least!

A big thank you to all of the applicants and to upcoming sponsors. You guys are the best! And I hope that regardless of the results, you've been learning more about your practice and what yoga means to you. That's the whole point of the process, and I hope it's been rewarding.

Photo via FYeahYoga on Tumblr.

In the days and weeks to come, you can expect to see a lot of awesome stuff going on around here at Alive in the Fire. I will be incorporating a ton of new ideas from applicants, including guest posts, some re-design, and the start of a new series or two. (And don't worry, Real Men Do Yoga and Beyond Childhood certainly aren't over! Neither is the Everyday photographer series either.)

The best part? You're going to be getting a lot of quality info about yoga and hearing from some new voices. These sponsored yogis are passionate about their practice. They've got inspiration to share.

They are fiery, fun, and super creative and insightful. I can't wait for you to meet them!

Keep an eye out and get excited. More to come very soon.

PS. In other news, I've written over 300 posts! Eeps, how exciting :) Oh, and keep those followers coming... we're almost to our 100 party!

Photo via FYeahYoga on Tumblr.