Gratitude happens when you feel an appreciation, happiness, or gratefulness towards something or someone. But did you know that it is one of the most powerful feelings you can ever have? When you have gratitude not only are you able to open up new possibilities in your life, but you can also change your life for the better. There is definitely power in the attitude of gratitude.
In yogic and Ayurvedic philosophy there are three basic natures or “gunas” said to rule existence. They are: Sattva (life/sentience), Rajas (change) and Tamas (decay/death). This article explores the basics of these elements and when as humans, we crave, demand or need Rajas – the Ayurvedic element of change.
Are you The Captain of Yourself?
Yoga is great for your physical health, and fitness goals draw many of us to the mat. Some come to class because the elongating poses complement other activities like running, and some are motivated by the family member who can miraculously touch her toes, or the coworker who’s traded her sweaters for halter dresses since discovering Ashtanga. Yoga is a good workout. But if you’re in it for the “yoga butt,” you might be tempted to tune out all the other stuff, like when your teacher starts going on about the breath.
The Tech-Free Detox
Need to detox? Skip the traditional fasting and start with being tech free for some surprising benefits.
Fasting is good for the mind, body and soul – it detoxifies us from the inside out and also teaches us new levels of self-control. But fasting is not just about food. You can also go on a technology fast – going tech-free just once a month can reconnect us with nature and our own self in whole new ways.
Living off the grid provided me with several encounters with nature in many forms – whether it was the weather, creature critters or the growing forest. Some of my favorite encounters were with animals and I love them all. I was far enough out in the woods that spotting wildlife was as easy as finding a game on ESPN. I have so many experiences but today I will share with you a few of my favorites.
The Big Bear
One of my yoga teachers says we don’t notice the breath until we’re out of it.
By the time I started a yoga teacher training in 2011, I was out of it, both figuratively and literally: my breath was labored, shallow, strained. I was a first-year 4th grade teacher, and my heart was always racing, whether I was standing in front of my classroom, lying in bed, or brushing my teeth. I was clearly overwhelmed, my body was rebelling, and I couldn’t find the off switch. I was sure my short, panicky breaths were announcing my anxiety to the world.
We all have those days when finding energy throughout the day is as hard to find as a needle in a haystack. You know -- those mornings when you just can’t seem to get yourself up and motivated. Stop reaching for the caffeine and sugary snacks; they’re not what your body really needs. Take a look at these five ways to naturally boost your energy.
It’s back-to-school time of year, folks! You can see parents fairly skipping round the stores. The pressure is ON! With reports of parents spending upwards of $700 for supplies alone, it’s easy to feel you SHOULD be spending that much. And then there are all the new outfits…
With such excitement in the air we assume our children feel equally enthusiastic about the upcoming months. The truth is, if you have an anxious child, all this is adding to her/his concerns. The pressure IS on. On them.
Jobs, family, relationships, and social functions often tend to take precedence over our own needs. It is easy to get wrapped up in the day-to-day demands of life. Whether we feel a sense of obligation or not, the day can slip away without time to ourselves. It's those days that leave us open to stress, anxiety, and a loss of sense of self. That is why it is important to squeeze a little bit of “me time” into our daily routine. Whether it be five minutes or five hours, the following five are ways you can break away and take precedence over your day.