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Living Without “I”

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Stop saying ‘I’ so much.

Several nights ago, I drove one of my best friends and her partner to the airport.  On the way there, we had a conversation about how I was doing and where I was in my life personally, romantically, and financially.  I love these kinds of conversations, because they always shed light on something that at least one of us needs to work on.  I was telling them that I had been feeling really depressed and confused. I was having a hard time just being here in this life.  I didn’t know where I was headed or how I wanted to contribute to the world.  I felt lost.  My friend turned to her partner, who was sitting in the back seat, to ask him what he thought about my situation.  I know him to be a stunningly aware and wise human being, so I wasn’t surprised that he did, indeed, have something to say. 

He asked, “Can I give you a small piece of advice?” 

“Please”, I replied.  

He came back with, “Stop saying ‘I’ so much”. 

His words hit me like a ton of bricks, and I wanted to cry in that moment.  I’ve always thought of myself as a fellow truth-seeker and have been known to be “wise” in my own right, so it was incredibly embarrassing to think that I had not come to this simple realization myself.   

Refraining from using “I”, or “me”, or “my” in speech was something I had begun practicing during my yoga training in 2016.  Yoga teaches us to detach from the ego and to understand and know our Oneness with all of Creation.  Refraining from using this kind of language is one method that can facilitate this realization.  However, I discontinued this when I returned home out of fear that I wouldn’t be able to connect with or relate to those who didn’t know this practice outside of the ashram. Plus, I didn’t want to be looked at like a looney bird when I told everyone that, “This body is 27 years old” rather than, “I am 27 years old”, or that “There is anger” as opposed to “I am angry”.  So, as things go, I fell out of alignment with this practice of detachment. My friend quickly highlighted this fact by saying that I was identifying too strongly with the ego, which was absolutely true, and that if I was not able to rephrase a statement without using the word ‘I’ then there is no need to say it at all.  

The ‘I’, or ego, is not who we are but rather a construct of the mind built to protect us and ensure our survival.  It’s a very useful tool when we are running from danger or when we find ourselves in a physical altercation of some sort.  It is not helpful, however, when it sounds the alarm when we experience intense emotions, fear judgment, receive criticism, or have to spend the week with family members with whom we don’t exactly see eye-to-eye.  The point here is that when we constantly identify with ‘I’, we are identifying with the egoistic, earth-bound version of us and disconnecting from our Oneness with the Divine.  We are, instead, confining ourselves to the labels we have given this bodily form. The ‘I am this’ and ‘I am that’. There is no room for expansion, creativity, or curiosity.  We either remain complacent, or continuously move in circles, revisiting the same old thoughts, patterns, and behaviors; and we never really move toward where we want to be.  

…when we contradict the infinite wisdom of the Soul with the limited perception of the mind, we remain in a limited reality.

My friend then said to me, “You’re at the stage of awareness or consciousness where you want more out of life.  You want to give more and experience more of the Divine, but you’re too set on trying to understand everything before you make a move, which isn’t possible.  You’re not meant to understand first.  The understanding comes after you start making moves. The small voice in your head is always telling you which way to go, but you insist on arguing with it.”  He was right.  I knew he was.  My higher Self had been trying to guide me for ages, but I chose to argue with it and turn against it.  The way I see things is that the “small voice in your head”, the one that speaks in soft whispers, is actually the intuition.  It’s the voice of the Soul channeled through the heart and is the first one to speak.  The second voice to speak (or shout, in many cases) is the analytical voice of the mind, the voice of reason and contradiction. It aims to understand things whereas the voice of the Soul knows things.  

The problem with reason is that it can only take us so far.  There is a limit to it.  Reason is related to the ego and is bound by our limited perception of life, and so when we contradict the infinite wisdom of the Soul with the limited perception of the mind, we remain in a limited reality.  Now, I’m not saying the rational mind should never have a say in things. As mentioned earlier, it’s incredibly helpful when we are in real danger.  It’s also very useful when helping us navigate mundane tasks like getting onto the bus, ordering a cup of tea, and articulating our thoughts during a conversation.  But when it comes to knowing who we are and how we fit into the grand scheme of things, it often hinders our progression.   The voice of the Soul, on the other hand, is the source of all creativity, exploration, and expansion. Where the rational mind requires analysis and reasoning, the intuitive Soul requires trust and surrender.  And this, unfortunately, is where most of us fall short.  Society neither teaches nor encourages us to trust our intuition.  We pride ourselves on our big-brain intelligence, which is wonderful and necessary for our evolution but is destined to bring us into a downward spiral if we do not embrace intuition along with it.  

We have to know something before we can understand it.

Intuition creates the space for us to step into something new and unknown, something with which the ego and intellect are very uncomfortable.  They rebel against it at all costs.  The Soul says, “Go here”, and the intellect responds with, “Why the hell would I do that?! It makes no sense!  There’s no proof that going there will ever work for me. It’s never been explored before, and probably for good reason!  It’s dangerous.  It’s unknown! If I go there, I could fall into a deep, dark hole, and I don’t know that I could pull myself out!”  The rational mind comes up with so many excuses. It can’t understand the reasoning of the Soul, because there is no reasoning.  The Soul is one with Life, and there is no reason to Life other than to be.  And so, since the rational mind and ego cannot understand the Soul’s words, they argue against them.  

This is why listening to the Soul requires trust and surrender.  We have to trust that it is wiser than the ego could ever be and surrender our mind’s need to understand something it cannot yet grasp.  Allowing ourselves to step into the unknown gives us the opportunity to explore new territory, which the mind can gradually explore and with which it can become familiar.  This seems to be the essence behind what my friend said about how understanding comes after we begin to make moves.  We have to know something before we can understand it.  We have to know our Oneness before we can explore it.

There’s been a much greater awareness of language around and the identification with my old, worn-out, I’m-so-lost-and-depressed story since the conversation that night.  â€œI” statements are now rearranged or reworded to form more objective statements, which allows for the removal of one’s self (ego) from situations where it would have otherwise manipulated the outcomes.  There are much fewer overwhelming emotions of sadness and despair.  Old patterns are revisited less and less often. Decisions are not so difficult to make anymore, and, this time around, others’ opinions are of less importance.  But mostly, there is space—space to feel, to witness, to surrender, and to create.

My hope is not that you simply take my word for all of this but that my friend’s words of wisdom have shed some light on what is possible if we just give ourselves the chance to change the language of our experience in this lifetime.  My hope is that you try this new way of relating for yourself.  Step into that which your Soul knows, but which does not always make sense to the rational mind, so you might come to understand your place within it. Allow yourself to quiet the “I”, the part of you that is afraid of what is unknown, and trust enough to sit with the non-sensical, unsettling mystery of being.

Body: Post Break-Up

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Like many people, I feel insecure about various parts of my body. I’m in my mid-twenties, I work full-time in a public affairs role, and I live in a major city – all of which contribute to self-scrutiny. During my last romantic relationship, I spent a lot of time and energy in showering, exfoliating, shaving and deep-conditioning my hair, and had a four-step, twice-a-day skin care regimen I didn’t dare skip. I was taking care of my body, as it felt necessary. I spent two to three evenings a week in a Pilates mat class or running on an elliptical machine at my neighborhood gym. I practiced yoga at least once a week.

I thought a lot about what I could do about the parts of myself I felt self-conscious about, like my hormonal acne and the cellulite on my thighs. I was constantly researching new potential “solutions” to these “problems”. I thought that if I could fix these things, if I could stay in good shape, I would continue to be attractive to my partner.

Said partner ended our relationship, and the factors listed above were not among the reasons why. All the same, I have a vivid, visceral memory of the week following the break-up, during which I sat on the floor of my bathroom, crying, thinking of all of the time I had spent debating between purchasing the expensive hair mask sitting on my shower rack, thinking that he would appreciate the scent of my hair more after use.

In the depths of my sadness, I remembered to go to the gym, through the motions on my routines, and spend time and money on personal care. I continued to feel less than confident about my body, because despite all of the above, I’d lost what I had cared about. At a low point, I had the irrational thought that my body had somehow betrayed me. Why wasn’t this formulaic devotion to body care good enough to remain attractive to my former partner?

But as the months went on, and I continued to hit my mat for yoga and Pilates classes, I realized that I was starting to care less about how I looked, and more about how I felt. I felt less insecure, and more grateful for the ability to move and be active. I started to care less about what other people see, and more about what I see and more importantly, how I feel.

Through exercise, meditation and careful thought, I’m addressing my insecurities, but for myself. With a lot of self-searching, I’ve found that it’s more important for me to feel at home in my body than it is to make it agreeable to someone else.

Man running at the track
Man running at the track

The Business of Yoga Part 2: Embracing Authenticity

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When you teach anything, whether it be aerobics or physics, you possess the library of information that will be shared with your students.  It is data you have earned, as an instructor, that’s been passed on from your own teachers, and taught your way.  In your voice.  You physically, mentally, and emotionally, need to be there for your students, even if you’re filming your class for those at home. 

In fact, New York City yoga teacher and influencer Elena Brower (@elenabrower) remarks often in her posts how hesitant she was as she wondered how yoga would translate across a digital platform. Turns out she is increasingly grateful for the experience and how it deepened her teaching practice.  It allowed her to connect to her students in a whole new way, by staying grounded in her authenticity. 

We share what we do to and with the world.  Our accomplishments and expertise, our happy memories and our schedules.  Self-promotion, even in the spirit of celebration is paramount for anyone who has a social media account.  Otherwise, why have one, right?  Our lives are now so carefully curated we can feel more alone and isolated than ever.  So we must remember that we, and everyone else out there, is only going to show what makes them look the most together, happy, and dare I assume, authentic. In our waking life (away from the dream of alphanumeric realities) if we look inward instead of keeping up with the digital Joneses, we will cease to scrutinize our own lives and accomplishments.  Instead the practice is and always will be expressing gratitude for the here and now.  Someone inspirational said that gratitude turns everything you have into enough, and more.  Your presence, fully and completely, is enough.

We can agree that anything online is not necessarily indicative of real life, even though we may want to believe it is an extension of it.  But is a false light of life.  The word ‘media’ is even in the description of this world that lives in our phones.  Yet, some bright-eyed hopeful, post-millennial trendsetters definitely (probably) believe it is the gateway to creating their own brand, or ‘empire’ as it’s cheekily called.  When did followers equate to fans instead of people you just knew in life?  And what about these emperors made labels and advertisers begin to drool at the prospect of people advertising a way of life to sell stuff we don’t need in a society where hoarding is a disease? 

yoga instructor in a park

What do the people who want to influence really want?  To be at the top of their own pyramid in their chosen field.  And, if we’re being honest with ourselves, a part of us must listen, if only to ask why, and see our own shadows of success reflected in their contoured faces.  After all, most of them are the product of a technological boom that saw every toddler with a camera in their face before a book, or even another human being. 

But whether we use social media to promote ourselves as yoga educators, we must remember our motivation for becoming teachers in the first place.  We may receive ‘likes’ or increased attendance in our classes, or validation on our shared thought processes that contain the seedlings of other business ideas, (and the occasional discount on some cute but overpriced yoga pants) but there is one thing we are also striving for, that the shadow of the false yoga mogul’s dig out of us.  It is the desire that we must have in common with the truly joyful educators with a meaningful message, if we are committed to sharing a message that is meaningful to us: authenticity.  For in that word is the legitimacy so many crave, the proof that the path is a true one.

The idea is pretty ironic, though, considering social media, as I’ve said, is a digitally curated identity arranged, in Freudian terms, by your own ego.  We are taught every time the word ego is mentioned, that it is fear talking—the projection of the desired self-image onto anyone who clicks “follow” on any page you have.  In the ego’s ideal scenario, when we think we have transcended more earthly wants what we are really giving into is a codependency sparked by the joy of being led, of relinquishing responsibility for our own lives.  Next time you are shy about sharing your world and your thoughts, or your yoga/spiritual journey, or have been wasting the evening ‘investigating’ fellow instructors, consider it an interesting exercise in self-observation.  You can even explore online platforms to increase your chances of teaching remotely, or through videos.  You’ll learn YouTube, at the very least.   So it’s nice to have a plan to springboard off your friends and following while you experiment.

And just post it.  As you watch yourself grow, you’ll be able to see the teacher you are becoming, as well as the teacher you want to be. 

Being a yoga teacher can afford an individual a life slightly off the beaten path, no matter how corporate the environment they teach in is.  That is part of the joy of the profession–the connection, the sharing of accumulated knowledge, and the constantly percolating business savvy that lies in each of us.  Part of the reason many instructors get into teaching yoga is because there are so many opportunities to bounce around and teach a multitude of people all the cool and hopefully healing stuff we’ve learned in training. 

campfire in the dark

Exposure, in this case, becomes an ally to authenticity. And, no I do not mean taking scantily clad photos of yourself doing yoga in a bikini on a glamorous beach and hoping your high school crush sees it.  However, giving your students a way to connect with you and your lifestyle, if that indeed is something you want to share, is a way to share aspects of your authentic self, even the insecure bits, and create buzz about your teaching style.  This makes it easier for your students to see you as a human being, and that will, many times, bring them back to your class.  I’ve also found making announcements to remind them about your ideas and the various places and spaces you teach in to be incredibly important to connecting to the people you see every week.  Or once in a while. 

The practice of yoga attracts every walk of life for countless reasons.  With that comes all kinds of teachers, each with a singular flavor.  Some want to make yoga accessible to everyone and focus on the adaptability and recovery in poses and sequences, while others incorporate classical tradition into their practice with mantras, chanting, and meditation. There are the soothers and the sweaters, the kundalini warriors and kinesthetic yoga therapists.  Some have yearly retreats in Bali and others teach from a spare room in their own homes.  Some are former ballerinas.  Others are aspiring attorneys. All have a profound effect on the students that come into their space, with any luck, imparting new insight and awareness of the body and mind, and at the very least, sometimes, a pretty decent workout.  And it all begins with you, the teacher, and the energy you bring, on and off line, which can spread the authenticity movement across the globe, one yogi at a time.

Whether you are a new teacher or an experienced teacher, there is a likelihood that you will want to seek new teaching opportunities from time to time. Namafit is the perfect tool for finding teaching opportunities near you. You can learn more about what Namafit has to offer and how to get started here

4 Misconceptions About Meditation

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The other day I was asked to teach a 30min mindfulness session to a corporate company that promotes wellness. As usual in my session, I start with an introduction about what the session will be about, how long it will be and what I expect of people.

It strikes me every time how people react with surprise when I tell them how the session will take place. It seems that people have expectations of what meditation should be, and how it is actually practiced. The following four misconceptions are the ones generally met with surprise:

1) You cannot move during mediation.
Yes you can, if you feel discomfort or tension, please do move! Meditation is not here to punish you. You are a living, breathing human being. Your heart beats, your blood pumps, you are not stone. You can move.

2) You have to sit – cross-legged and upright.
No, not at all. People tend to react with great astonishment when I say that during mediation, you can even lie down. Just make sure your upper body is aligned as it helps with the breathing. An aligned body means an aligned breath. Other than that, be as comfortable as you like. Some people find cross-legged comfortable and others don’t. How can you focus on breathing if you are in pain? Sit however is comfortable for you. Heck, I sometimes even walk when meditating. You do you.

3) You have to have your eyes closed.
Sometimes I mediate with my eyes open. I like to just gaze down and focus on a point in front of me. At times I just don’t feel like it, and I don’t know why. Perhaps I am not in the right mindset or don’t feel comfortable enough in my surroundings. But the point is that you just don’t get distracted. You can gaze where you want as you want as long as you have a soft focus and don’t wonder around with your eyes to get distracted.

4) You have to fully emerged in the meditation.
People tend to look at me with utter surprise when I tell then they can drink during meditation. It’s best to have a cup of tea with you or a water. Sometimes we sit there and notice: Damn, I am perished or hungry. These are just your bodily needs and that is fine. You can drink anytime, you can pop out of the meditation and join back in – it should be to your comfort at your time and your pace.

Mediation is your time for you. Do it so it feels like its benefiting you and do it with no judgement. Its about accepting whatever comes up in that moment and not about punishment or perfection.

man and woman meditating on yoga mats in studio

To learn more about my services or about general topics in life I stumble on – follow my blog on nikafiguringitout.wordpress.com

Why Yin Yoga Works Well for Athletes

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Are you looking to increase suppleness in the body, improve flexibility and a more focused mind?

Athlete or not, Yin yoga is worth trying. For those of you who may not be familiar with Yin yoga, it is a slower-paced style where poses are held for longer periods of time, anywhere from 30 seconds up to 5 minutes. It is the opposite of a “Yang” style of yoga- the more common power vinyasa classes you often see at fitness studios and gyms. Yin elements involve darkness, cool, intuition, reflection, the moon. Yang elements are light, fiery, active, strength, the sun. Both are different, yet necessary for solid balance. Yin yoga is perfect for athletes since it provides just that. Athletes usually train hard and focus on agility, speed and strength. Yin yoga is a complementary opposite. It’s also ideal for elderly folk for flexibility or just about anybody who needs to slow down (and let’s be real, that includes all of us).

When practicing Yin yoga, the focus lies more on the tendons, connective tissues and joints, areas closer to the bone, rather than the musculature system of the body. Most of the time, athletes are focused on muscle strength, but Yin style allows a deeper penetration of work towards neglected but important areas. Its benefits include increasing flexibility, loosening tight areas, and since it is a more meditative practice, helps with focus and relaxation. Along with massage and other techniques, it is an excellent method of recovery from strenuous workouts and assists with injury prevention. As much as you need to build strength, it is also necessary to release, let go and linger in a calm state which is difficult to do unless you practice it.

yoga student in low lunge, lizard pose
Utthan Pristhasana (Lizard Pose)

What happens in Yin Yoga?

A typical hour-long Yin yoga class may sometimes only have 10 to 20 poses. When you hold the body in these poses for a minute or well up to five, the body’s connective tissue and fasciae are targeted. It may sound simple but remaining still in an asana (pose) is just as challenging of a practice compared to a power yoga class which requires a lot of dynamic movement. Many times, it is your mind and your nervous system which will not allow you to hold a posture for a long period of time. With practice, and more practice, stillness will ensue. This gives the athlete a break from their normal routine of active physical training. The Yin practice is still very much active and intense but in a different sense.

Yin Yoga is also sometimes compared to acupuncture without needles. When you hold the pose, usually focused on the low back, hips, and pelvis for a long stretch and then release, this action of compressing and releasing allows a widespread of changes within energy flow- similar to when an acupuncturist taps a needle into a specific point of the body and leaves it there for 30 minutes. Penetrating deeper in the body down to the tissues, tightness is released, meridians open and in turn organs can perform more efficiently.  More chi, prana, energy flow for an athlete means optimal performance levels.

Principles of Yin Yoga

Bernie Clark is a teacher of yoga specializing in Yin. According to Bernie, there are three principles of Yin yoga which follows:

  1. Play your edges. This means to go only as deeply as you feel in your body, not forcing or rushing into it. The first minute in a pose will feel different from the third or fifth minute in a pose. Allow yourself to settle into it and let the body release to a greater depth naturally.
  2. Find stillness. After finding your edge, try to remain still. This is of course unless you begin to feel pain, tingling, or are struggling to stay in the pose. Another exception is when the body invites you to go deeper, opening and allowing you to sink in. Otherwise, stillness is key.
  3. Hold for time. In order to stimulate the tissues in the way we desire, the length of time we hold the poses allows the changes in our body to occur. After you play with your edges and find stillness, the final thing to do is to remain in the pose and notice the breath and mind.

Following these principles will allow for a substantial Yin practice. These principles also benefit an athlete because it takes a different type of endurance and focus to achieve the objective in a Yin class. This easily translates to better coordination, resilience and persistence in your everyday training and during competition.

Find a Yin Yoga Class at a Studio Near You

Most poses in this style of yoga involves being closer to the ground. Some common poses which you may experience in a class include Balasana (Child’s Pose), Baddha Konasana (Butterfly Pose), Salamba Bhujangasana (Sphinx Pose), Kapotasana (Pigeon Pose), Supta Matsyendrasana (Supine Twist) and the list goes on. The room may be dim to encourage going within and not focusing on your neighbor or yourself in the mirror. Props such as blankets, bolsters and blocks may assist you getting into a pose in a way so that you are able to stay still in it for a few minutes. Yin yoga is not the same as Restorative yoga because the props used in Restorative yoga prop the body up completely. The two styles are similar but there are different focuses. Sometimes the two seem interchangeable, but this is not necessarily the case. Restorative uses many props and restores the body (hence the name) while being a deeply relaxing practice. Yin yoga is relaxing as well, but more intensity may arise while trying to stay in a pose for a long period of time.

I have found at studios that the class name for Yin yoga varies and may be called such names as ‘Surrender’ or ‘Deep Healing’.  To find a Yin class near you, look at a studio website’s class descriptions or simply call and ask! Many studios include this offering in their schedule and Yin yoga is becoming more popular since the need to slow down is relevant for many people. No matter what drives you to your mat, it will surely benefit you. Furthermore, if you are an athlete wanting to improve your flexibility and maintain suppleness, look no further and give this practice a shot. Happy training!

Job Highlight: Hiring General Manager at Pure Barre Hollywood

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Pure Barre believes in building a studio community that empowers and inspires the lifestyle and fitness goals of our members. Are you ready to raise the barre in your career and become part of our exceptional team as General Manager in Hollywood, CA?

Apply Now
people in barre class in Hollywood
Apply Now

Duties include:
Selling memberships consistently with a genuine drive to increase sales for the studio.
Managing the desk staff; including hiring, training, shifts/hours, stepping when coverage is necessary, and performance evaluations.
Handling most inquires emails, walk-ins, phone calls and all client concerns.
Working closely with owner Vanessa to ensure studio success.
Overseeing studio maintenance and cleanliness.
Putting together email blasts to clients.
Being knowledgeable on membership and retail products available as well as the software we use: Club Ready.
Finding leads, constant follow up, and increasing membership sales.
Promoting the benefits of our classes to our clients and being able to discuss best solutions for their fitness goals.
Working in a fast-paced environment with a positive and welcoming attitude.
Finding leads, constant follow up, and increasing membership sales.

Requirements: 
A authentic passion for the workout.
Previous sales experience. Previous experience at a fitness studio a plus.
Proficient computer skills required. Knowledge in photo editing a plus.
Must have drive, ambition, be positive, friendly and engaging to confidently sell memberships and retail. 
Organized with the ability to multitask and lead a team.
Previous leadership experience a plus. 
Outstanding customer service skills.
Flexible and willing to work when needed as well as remotely from home. (*Personal/home computer required).
Health and fitness applicants are preferred.

Apply Now

Pure Barre Hollywood offers:
A professional and flexible yet fun work environment.
Competitive wages plus commission.
Unlimited free Pure Barre classes!
Complementary classes at the other fitness concepts and studios we partner with.
Exceptional and ever evolving training to ensure success.
Awesome work events and perks.

Apply Now

Pure Barre is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. Pure Barre does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.” We are dedicated to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment where employees are treated with respect and dignity.

The paradox around the word “Mindful”

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The word mindful seems to indicate two things – that’s it’s about your mind and it’s about it being full just by the nature of how the word is constructed. It seems to mean an exercise where you keep your mind full. Where mindfulness is actually about the opposite.

child meditating

I believe that leads to a lot of misconceptions about mindfulness. It makes it seem like a brain focused exercise. Yet mindfulness actually focuses on making sure you are aligned in your spirit, mind and body. It takes the focus that is in your brain and brings it away from going in circles. Which it tends to do, since we are so focused on our cognitive capabilities. It has a lot to do with the way society is built these days, you would think we are a mass of minds. Our times are known as the “Age of Information’ – the driving force behind it being the internet, bringing us newer and faster forms of entertainment, commerce, research, work, and communication. Most jobs only focus on using your intelligence, education is set up to focus on your brain power – skills when it comes to your body and spirit are less asked for and wanted. It is natural almost to think that we are only minds and only needed for our knowledge.

But what people tend to forget is that your mind is only as good as your body. You cannot think straight if you are in pain, you cannot be logical if you are suffering from mental distortions, there are so many elements that impact us as a package that we are – mind, body and spirit (some call it soul). So how do you get out of your head and better connected with your body? Mindfulness. Because what mindfulness means is being aware of your mind taking over, and moving this focus to the other part that make you a whole.

One exercise is for example scanning your body from the top of your head down to your toes – seeing what areas may house tension and what other areas feel tension free. It’s a way of getting in tune with your body we tend to neglect. I do this every day and find it surprising over and over again which areas of my body feel tension. Sometime pain arises that I am not even sure how I managed to get a good night’s sleep. It is scary how much of our body and its signals we tend to push aside to enable our minds to deliver. An important thing to remember is that aligned body means an aligned mind.

Another exercise is even more simple – it’s just asking yourself how you feel. And not stopping at “good”  or “fine” – those terms do not suffice. There is no benefit of lying to yourself. Check in with your spirit by making your emotions aware to yourself. Sometimes we find we are doing much better than we thought, which leads to more happiness and sometimes things arise we know we need to work on or address so we can be happy in the long run. Remember not to be judgmental or to force yourself to feel any different. Often just being there for yourself and acknowledging your feelings will do wonders for your spirit.

So be mindful in the sense of what it truly means – being aware of yourself, your body, mind and spirit.

Read more about every day topics and tips on how to manage life at nikafiguringitout.wordpress.com

 

 

Body Pump, Cycle & Barre Instructor Job Opportunities in Seattle

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Are you a Body Pump, Cycle or Barre Instructor in Seattle looking for a great new job opportunity? Flow Fitness on Terry Ave. N in Seattle is looking for Sunday instructors right away! They are seeking instructors for their location in South Lake Union to teach Sunday classes, and potentially sub during the week.

Apply Now >>
Flow Fitness Gym

Do you know about Flow Fitness in Seattle? Flow Fitness was founded on the principle that we can enrich our member’s lives through fitness. We believe that fitness goes beyond physical appearance and is critical to improving one’s quality of life. Whether it be recreational activities or just the day to day activities of life, fitness can lead to an increase in physical and mental performance, reduction in pain/injury and increase in energy/mental focus. We also believe that training is substantially more beneficial than just ‘working out.’ Our equipment, classes and training programs are all geared toward movements that will help improve your quality of life and become the person you always thought possible. In addition, Flow Fitness is a community based organization that is open to all levels of fitness. Our employees and members are here to provide the support and inspiration necessary to make your workout the highlight of your day.

FIND YOUR FLOW at Flow Fitness and…

Apply Now >>

7 Simple Ways to Drink More Water and Why You Should

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Trying to drink more water every day can be labeled as boring and seem a little repetitive for most people. There are also many things that keep us from drinking enough water throughout the day like busy schedules, or things we’d rather be drinking (especially coffee and cocktails). With all of this in mind, it is not that far-fetched that a majority of people can’t fathom consuming up to 2 liters of water a day.

However, drinking enough water doesn’t have to be all that difficult. By using some simple tricks, setting goals, and even making some fun rules for yourself, you can easily train yourself to boost your daily H2O consumption. Who knows, you might even start to like it!

  • Give it Some Flavor– most people would feel more inclined to drink water if they thought that it had a more interesting taste. This is a great way to get creative and use different methods to jazz up your glass of H2O. Cut up herbs, slice fruits or vegetables, drop in some essential oils, etc. All of these options will add flavor naturally without the sugar content that is found in juices. You can even start having a “taste of the week”: a popular combination is lemon, lime, rosemary, and mint leaves.
  • Replace Soda– if you are in one of those moods where just about any fizzy drink will do, choose sparkling or mineral water instead. La Croix makes great sparkling water that is 100% natural, sugar-free, calorie-free, and sodium-free with no artificial sweeteners! So far, you can choose from at least 15 delicious flavors. Another options is to grab a fizzy water, add a squeeze of lime juice, and you have yourself a fancy mocktail. You will not regret ditching your soda habit for these.
  • Keep Track– for those of you who like a challenge, keep up with the number of ounces you drink daily. Use a free app to try and beat your score every week. You can even start setting incentives for your new water habit when you reach milestones. Then you have the chance to treat yourself to something you don’t normally get. Soon you will be drinking half a gallon without hesitation!
  • The 1 to 1 Rule– if you like to indulge in alcoholic beverages from time to time, then make sure to down a glass of water for every drink. This will also help you maintain your daily water consumption AND will increase your chances of avoiding a hangover because it balances out the sugar in most alcoholic drinks.
  • Set a Timer– until you are drinking enough water on your own, set alarms throughout the day to drink a full glass. These reminders will be set to go off throughout the day and when one does, chug a big cup of water. This might seem like a lot, but nothing snaps you into a routine like a loud phone alarm. For starters, always try to drink one glass right when you wake up, one after every meal, and one before you go to sleep.
  • Eat Water-Rich Foods – a sneaky yet smart way to increase the amount of water you consume on a daily basis: eat your H2O. Make sure to add fruits and vegetables with a high water content to your cart on your next grocery store trip. Here are some of the top picks: cucumber (96% water), zucchini (95% water), watermelon (92% water), and grapefruit (91% water). 
  • Keep it in Reach – the truth is, if you’re stuck at your desk all day or traveling for hours, your first priority won’t be to sip on water very often. The fix: always have a big bottle of water within arm’s reach! Reusable bottles are perfect for the office, at the gym, or in the car.

How Much Water Should I Drink?

The golden rule for hydration is defined as “eight 8-ounce glasses a day”, which equals to be about 8-10 cups, or half a gallon. This is called the 8×8 rule and is very easy to remember.However, recent studies have shown that you need to sip on water constantly throughout the day, even when you’re not thirsty. A similar concept to eating frequent, small meals all day long. As with most things, the average daily water intake depends on the individual. We are all so different that our water intake needs to be adjusted depending on your activity level, climate, digestion, etc. For example, those who tend to exercise often or are outside for long periods of time should stick with a higher consumption than others.

Why Should I Worry About Water?

 Your body is composed of about 60% water. The functions of these bodily fluids include digestion, absorption, circulation, nutrients transportation, and body temperature maintenance. An important thing to remember when you are using these tricks for upping your water intake is that drinking water frequently keeps these functions working properly. Water is also vital because it acts as a lubricant for your joints, protects your brain, and plays a large part in removing waste from your body through functions such as perspiration.

Another beneficial aspect of drinking water is that it helps control the calories. For years, drinking lots of water has been a significant weight loss strategy. Choosing water over a high-calorie beverage and maintaining a diet that is high in water-rich foods will result in being healthier, more filling, and lower calorie intake.

 Staying hydrated regulates our body temperature, boosts skin health, and aids the digestion system. Drinking enough water daily is also guaranteed to improve your well-being: you will sleep better, have more energy, and think clearer. That is why everyone, especially active individuals, need to stay on top of their water consumption.Needless to say, your body will be thanking you for showing it some liquid love.

Article written by Savannah Bosley, creator of https://leisureofliving.com/

bottle of water with sliced lemons

Business of Yoga Part I: Intentions for Success

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The definition of success has many forms.  In order to approach our teaching career as a business, the first thing on our to-do list would be to define what success looks like.  Chances are, it will line up with what also brings joy, which also equates to getting paid for what we love.  More important than that, however, is the intention for becoming a teacher outside the realms of financial security.  

When you think of success, what does your world look like? What is your goal? For some educators, it is the ultimate picture of that private studio in a big city, while others may want to travel all over the world and document their teaching journey from exotic locations.  But we all start somewhere, and it can take time to discover what it is we truly want to achieve.

cathedral gates

 In the beginning, teaching can feel difficult in startling ways.  The stakes of achieving perfection right out of the gate are heightened and the desire to serve can, at times, be eclipsed by the desire to be liked by our students.  If teaching is your passion, or if you are just getting your instructor feet wet, any practice teaching is valuable hours earned. Whether we are teaching ten or one hundred people, each student who comes to class is sharing the singular dynamism they brought with them.  It is the students, first and foremost, who can assuage and even transform the energy of how you teach.

Below are some reminders when embarking on your journey.  Finding your motivation to serve, connect, and dive into the sensational world of teaching yoga takes a personal bravery.  Understanding your own parameters of success relates to finding your signature intention: 

  1. Have a message: When we approach our teaching engagements and trials with an attitude of excitement and mystery, we are apt to grow into astute and intuitive individuals, and thus, better teachers.  So take into account your own beliefs and knowledge about the branch of yoga you are exploring that week or the various meanings of a mantra. Prioritize your learning and practice above all else. When we begin to identify what draws us to the work that we do, our message will become clearer and clearer.  All the steps that brought you where you are today should be honored, even celebrated. It is your foundation, and you are helping to create that for your students. If you are interested in what you’re teaching, your students will be too.
  2. Observe the vibe: Ultimately, we are observing bodies as they move in space, and making sure no one hurts themselves during our careful sequence.  It is a journey of endless recording and insight. Each class serves as a reminder of how well we can explain what we want to see our students achieving, physically and mentally. If a sequence proves to be too challenging for the student body before you, then soften it while drawing from the same overall intention.  What are you trying to accomplish here with this sequence? How can it be modified? How we approach these unplanned hiccups reveals the hidden intention, because you are asked to put whatever plans you had for the class aside and surrender to the moment in order to make it the best class for all.  
  3. Know your worth: We all want to believe that the gift of teaching is enough. The way we revere our teachers that came before us, we think it should be.  There is a common misconception that the ego (that deems money as a necessity and gets anxious when it believes there isn’t enough to go around) should be silenced or transcended instead of integrated.  We all have expenses, not even including our own continuing education adventures. There are many types of pay scales, from students paying as they go, which makes you, the teacher an independent contractor, to having a membership at a gym.  Where you teach and how much you charge for private lessons informs how much money you make per class. Do your research. 
  4. Make the rounds: It takes practice to figure out what type of teacher you want to be, and how to hone your own style.  Western yoga-culture has definitely evolved, especially in the last ten years or so.  Depending on where you live and practice, the number of teachers getting certified can outweigh the classes and studios there is to fill them.  And if you are looking to make a living teaching yoga, where do you begin?  Knocking on gym doors and dropping off resumes is certainly a start, and many are willing to give a fresh instructor a chance to teach a class that always draws in students. This can feel overwhelming at first, as it is different than teaching in a studio. Fear not. Teaching in a gym also allows you to lead a large group, modify sequences often, and find your voice as an instructor.  Apply everywhere close by.
  5. Tune In: While you practice your own private meditation, try to imagine your version of paradise, where there are no obstacles to your dreams.  Notice your surroundings, the sights and smells, anything vivid you can paint with your imagination. Envision yourself rising after a long sleep.  What are you most excited about today? What is it you care about most and want to share with others? That is your gift, your way to serve. Use this intention, which is deeply personal, yet can apply universally because it represents an act of service and can be brought into any teaching environment.  Use your consciousness for good, as they say.
  6. Focus: All that choose this path of teaching, however regulated, either feed into or shatter the stereotypes of what we think of when we picture a yoga teacher.  Our ego loves to compare and measure. We come in all shapes and sizes, have studied in different schools and with teachers that range from the prestigious (whatever that means) to the virtually unknown, (but unforgettable).  When we practice, we remember those classes that affected us most, and I’ll bet you that it wasn’t at a giant festival with some famous yogi/DJ combo, however cool the balancing sequence was. So connect to the feeling signatures of remarkable practices you’ve had.  Flip through your memory. They won’t be hard to find. This may serve as a reminder of why you were drawn to teaching in the first place, and your appreciation for your own practice, which does not fit into a box but it shaped entirely by you, to mold as you please.
  7. Gratitude: Perhaps the greatest perk of the job is that being a yoga teacher allows you to deepen your own practice by guiding others. Think about it.  You get to spend a lot of time in intentionally stress free zones, hyper focused on your intention for the class and how they are listening, choreographing breath to movement, while at the same time heightening a sense of community, togetherness.  And when we give of our knowledge and energy—our time, unique experiences, and tips we’ve picked up along the way–we also receive something from our students. Their energy, focus, and attention. Give thanks. Without them, you’re just practicing alone.

What is most important to you on your teaching journey? It may be the students you get to meet and guide, the opportunity to learn mystic chants in archaic languages, or it could be the physiological deep strengthening of your breath and muscles to age gracefully and inspire others to do the same. Every teacher has their own exciting and, at times, thought-provoking career path that has as many challenges as it does rewards. 

pink lotus flower in a garden