Archives: Yoga

Hiking in the red rocks in Nevada!

Hiking in the red rocks in Nevada!

I’m inspired to write and I’m also a little embarrassed that my last post was nearly 2 years ago. I can’t believe that much time has passed… SO much has happened and Soul Flyte has really taken off. Last time I wrote about Soul Flyte it was only our 4th week in business… Now we’ve been in business for 3.5 years! WOW! I guess I was a little wrapped up and left this blog for a while. I’m happy to say that I’m inspired again and would love to bring it back. I hope it will last! I can’t predict that I will write every week or every month, but I’m ok with writing from time to time, it’s important for me to express myself in that way.

In any case – I’ve watched Soul Flyte in Nyack flourish, bringing community together with all of our events, amazing instructors and fabulous students. What I didn’t realize is how much I’ve focused on getting it up and running that I haven’t really focused much on myself. Yes, I’m still a health nut, going to my acupuncture and chiropractor sessions every month and taking my supplements daily – I still take care of myself but I haven’t talked much about it. I still see clients to help heal their bellies but I haven’t filled you in or shared my experiences. I apologize about that.  I think I was just so overwhelmed by everything going on in my life that my personal stuff just sort of fell to the wayside.

I just enrolled in Mama Gena’s Mastery program for Womanly Arts. Reading her book called Pussy has made me realize that I’ve totally fallen into the same rut as so many other women – we put others first before ourselves. Time and time again. Well I’m here to let you know that I’m stopping that. I will put myself first, making sure I’m doing what’s right for my truth and my body. I love to write! Why did I ever stop?!

This feels like a whole new journey that I’m about to embark on. The program actually starts in March, but I’ve already started reading her book to give me a jump start. I can’t wait to see what the next few months will bring.  Stay tuned!

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This is 30!

Sometimes it just takes one smile from a stranger, or a simple Namaste from someone you don’t even know to make your day that much brighter.

On Sunday we celebrated my 30th birthday at our new house in Nyack. While traveling in India, Chad and I had such an incredible time that we decided at the airport on our way home that my birthday party would be Indian themed! On our layover in India to New York we went to a department store, which was full of music, color and amazingness… I bought a sari and Chad bought a few bright colored, “diamond” studded button down shirts to round out our outfits for the bash. We bought bindi’s and masala chai powder for tea. When we came home, Chad found our local Indian restaurant, Keravali in Nanuet, NY and planned out the menu.

He specified making the food without chilis for my belly issues… but the food was still spicy… it’s ok though! They tried and it was still delicious. 🙂

The magic happened on the day of the event. We watched a YouTube video on how to wrap my sari, Chad put on my flower necklace and bindi and then the man from the Indian restaurant rang the bell to deliver the food. He walked in and immediately I saw the smile on his face. He was excited to see me in my sari and to hear the Indian music Chad had carefully selected for the party. Not only was his smile from ear to ear but he was also happy and eager to help. We were working on making masala chai tea from scratch (not the powder) and we had NO clue what we were doing. He overheard us talking about looking in the book and all of a sudden he chimed in. He said, if I may interrupt… this is how you make it and proceeded to fill us in on what would be the best masala chai we’ve ever had (probably because we made it ourselves!)

Fast-forward to the next day, after the incredible food, music and great company, Mr. Indian delivery man came back to collect the trays for the restaurant. He was genuinely concerned about how the food tasted and then proceeded to tell me how excited he was to tell his fiancée about our party and that they also wanted to have one like that too! His sincerity and utter joy made my day. We ended our encounter with a simple yet really meaningful Namaste. I’m grateful for his presence in my life, even for just a short moment. Namaste Mr. delivery man, Namaste.

Soul Flyte - Nyack's boutique AntiGravity yoga and fitness studio!

I just returned home from a nice 4-day mini get away with Chad. We went down to Maryland/ D.C. for a wedding. I can’t tell you how refreshed I feel after taking a step back from my work. I’ve been working really hard on building a Read more »

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Did you eat too much chips and dip at that Super Bowl party? I’ve got the perfect cleanse for you. It’s a yogic breathing technique that’s cleansing and gets the digestive fire moving. First thing in the morning, before you wake up – practice this exercise (watch the video above). It only takes 5 minutes to do and it’s totally worth your time. Then take a probiotic vitamin, drink warm water with lemon and start your day off right.

Cheers to your health!

Watch this video on super bowl Sunday for an awesome stretch sessinon

With the super bowl only 6 days away I thought I’d share some awesome yoga tips for anyone looking to get a little stretch in while they watch. You already know that if you spend too much time sitting it’s not good for your entire body! So take a stretch break and try these sun salutations that I’ve video taped. Follow along and feel fantastic through out the entire super bowl. Who knew that the super bowl and yoga go together?! You can practice one sun salutation on every commercial break! Get the whole party involved and before you know it you’ll be a yoga-teaching master!

If you live in or around Rockland County, come take a yoga or meditation class with me. You’ll need a boost after watching hours of football on Sunday.

Cheers to the super bowl and yoga 2014!

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The start of the New Year brings lots of exciting classes and workshops for me and my yoga community. I want to share a few with you.

I am now teaching a new class in Sparkill, NY in Rockland County, which is very close to Piermont, Nyack, Northvale, Tappan & Orangeburg. The class is at Union Arts Center on Monday’s from 9am-10:15am. Open to all levels and is $15. I’d love to see you there!

I’m also holding 2 workshops at Union Arts Center in Sparkill:

Learn To Meditate with Shira Turkl-Rubin: February 3rd 7:30pm-9pm $15

Workshop write up:

You may have heard all types of buzz about meditation but you still don’t understand it. There are many misconceptions about what meditation actually is. In this class we will deconstruct meditation so that you can grasp exactly what it is and how to practice it on your own. Learn the essentials to help create a more peaceful and serene way of life. If practiced on a daily basis meditation can change your life. You’ll learn about mantra, mudra, japa, visualization, body scan and more!

I’ve taught many beginners how to cultivate their own home meditation practice. I’m passionate about allowing the body to naturally heal itself and have found meditation to be absolutely essential when working with my own health ailments. Join me for this 90-minute intro to meditation and leave feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and ready to take on your own practice!

Workshop #2 –

Valentines Day Partner Workshop/Wine & Chocolate Tasting

February 14th 7pm-9pm $25 at Union Arts Center in Sparkill, NY

Workshop write up:

This Valentines Day stretch your body, mind and soul in this partner yoga class. Bring your spouse, friend or partner to learn the ins and outs of practicing together. We’ll stretch, massage, meditate, breathe, drink, eat and be merry. Even if you’ve never stepped foot on a yoga mat before, now’s your chance to lose the intimidation and practice with your honey, friend or partner of choice. This class will be FUN. Get ready to play, laugh and most importantly have a great time. Join us afterwards for some wine and chocolates to start your evening off the right way.

I hope to see you on the mat in one of my classes or workshops! Please contact me to sign up.

Ready to roll!

Ready to roll!

Yesterday was my colonoscopy test that I typically get every 2-3 years. No, I’m not a 50 year old – however I do have ulcerative colitis and in that case I have to get checked out more often then the typical 28 year old.

How did it go? Well…. It was pretty shitty… KIDDING! It was actually fine. I mean it’s pretty uncomfortable and not fun at all BUT the results were that nothing has changed, gotten worse or better – which in my eyes is great news. I always hope that it’s gotten smaller and that one-day it will completely vanish, but not this year. Maybe in the next 3 years I’ll have accomplished that – I’m focusing on the glass half full here. I’m healthy, I feel good and that’s what matters.

Having the test done gives me some serious peace of mind. Instead of stressing about whether it’s gotten worse or if I have something more serious etc… it feels great to know that all is still good down there and I can continue down my path to health. I suggest knowing opposed to not knowing. Get your tests done, go to the Doctor and find out what’s going on. After you know what’s happening, then you can work on alternative ways to help yourself heal. When we release the anxiety about what’s going on in our bodies it’s pretty magical – a weight lifts, you feel free. Take it from me!

Flowers over fear.

 

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This quote keeps popping into my head out of nowhere…

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My vision board. Notice the words, colors and photos. This = ME!

The power of words… it’s almost indescribable. I was at a workshop this past week for people who want to start a yoga studio. This is what I thought my path was at this moment in time. After sitting with myself and listening to the very inspirational words of wisdom and advice from Joan Dwyer and Janis Bowersox I’ve changed my current path. We spoke about strengths, vision boards, mission statements, visions, numbers (oh the numbers…!!) and much, much more. I’ve realized that since moving to Rockland county, I need to work on cultivating and creating my yoga community here. I need to dive into giving incredible workshops, teaching more and spreading my healing love to Rockland County and beyond. Then maybe, once I’ve done all of that, which may take me quite some time, I might possibly be ready to open a yoga studio. I realize that for me – baby steps, community and feeling ready is really important. I do commend all of you who dive into things head first, but for me I think the process of cultivating myself and branding myself as a yoga teacher is a really important step that I can’t skip over.

With that being said: in the near future you’ll be hearing about fun workshops that I’ll be teaching, retreats that I’ll be holding and new classes on my schedule. If you’re ready to find your true self, let go of disease, live healthfully, naturally and with peace – then look for my posts! I want you to be there! I can’t create community on my own – and I’m really looking forward to meeting all of the incredible yogis and yogis to be in Rockland County, Bergen County and maybe even Westchester County. Stay tuned for awesomeness coming your way.

By the way, I just created a Pinterest and it’s SO MUCH FUN! It’s like digital collaging. Find me, follow me and I’ll follow you back!

Find out more about Joan Dwyer HERE

Find out more about Janis Bowersox HERE

There are two types of people in this world: leaders and followers.  Please don’t be judgmental and try to figure out which one is better then the other.  They are equal, it’s just about what your true nature is.  Instead of judging, I’d rather you close your eyes and really think/feel what your true nature is: leader or follower? You already know which one you are, now go ahead and own it.

When I went to Guatemala a couple of years ago, I met with a Mayan shaman. He told me that one of my Mayan signs is the stick, which symbolizes leadership.

Ever since that moment, even though I think I’ve always known deep down what my true being is, my eyes have been opened. It took an outside force to really get through to me. It’s official, I’ve been put on this earth as a leader and if I don’t push through and lead the way in whatever it is I want to lead in, then I will be fighting up against my true nature and in turn will most likely be depressed and miserable.

I’ve been working on my career now for a while – fine tuning it and honing in on my particular skills. Up until now I’ve been dabbling in my leadership role but not taking it on full force. In the recent past I’ve struggled with bouts of very low energy, some depression and lack of motivation. You can see that because I haven’t committed full force to being the leader that I am that there are consequences. I have to ask myself this question: what’s better, finding my true nature and being happy? Or being a half leader and miserable?  Sometimes it really does take that outer voice of someone you don’t know at all, to help remind you of who you are and what you’re meant to do. Listen to your inner voice and be proud of who you are. You were put on this earth for a reason, now get out there and thrive!

Believe me, I’m taking my own advice now! It’s time to take things to the next level and make things happen. For those of you who prefer to follow as opposed to lead – mazel tov for standing up to it. Don’t fight up against it – let it be – you will soon realize that deep down there is a bit of leader inside you too.

Life’s too short to sit back and let it pass right by you. Grab it by the horns and roll!

Cheers to making things happen in a big, big way! Stay tuned.

Bright Sunshine Flower

This week someone asked me what my yogic philosophy is. I absolutely loved this question because my answer rolled off my tongue and I didn’t even have to think twice about it. I know it’s because I live, eat and breathe this stuff, but anyway – here it is:

Listen to your body and everything else will eventually fall into place. When you stop, listen and are aware of the breath and how the body feels – that’s when the magic happens. Stress releases, anxiety falls to the wayside and the only important thing is you and your body. How magical.

I hope you can take some time this weekend to check in, listen to your breath and find peace in your body.

I’ll be at camp for a week! Yep, that’s right, I’m a camp counselor for 1 week at Camp Oasis which is a special camp for kids with crohns and colitis. I’ll be doing lots of breathing and team work too!

Enjoy the sunshine!