Product Review: Jade Harmony Yoga Mat
After almost face planting it in plank and trying to do an inversion, I decided that it was time to purchase a better mat for my flow classes. A fellow yoga-obsessed friend of mine had just purchased one, and one of my yoga teachers uses a Jade Harmony yoga mat. I went online and basically read reviews for about 2 hours before deciding to buy it, and I am so glad I did! The real test is when you get into down dog, because on my cheap mat my hands would start to slide.
After the first class, I was hooked! I felt more confident and stable in my poses, and was able to focus on the breath rather than worrying about whether I would slip or not! Also, for each mat purchased Jade Yoga plants a tree!
My only issue with this mat is the smell. It has a very strong rubbery smell at first. I have had my mat for about 2 weeks now, and it still smells somewhat. I purchased an all natural mat cleaner spray from the studio, and I also have an aromatherapy spray of the same brand, that I use after cleaning it. They both smell delicious and have helped significantly reduce the rubbery smell. Also, I leave it laying out whenever possible. I would not use this mat for hot classes, from what I understand, it absorbs everything! Some said that they bring it with them in the shower to clean! However you decide to wash it, you can hang dry it, just don’t leave it in the sun.
I am still using my cheap $10 may from Marshall’s for hot classes, but for flow and at home practice, I highly recommend this mat.
Vinyasa & Comfort Zone Annihilation
A couple of weeks ago I finally tackled my fear of taking Vinyasa. For those of you who don’t know about Vinayasa style yoga, it is a fast paced flow from one asana (pose) to another. There are inversions, back bends, and tougher poses involved. My first Vinyasa class was my 2nd yoga class ever, and I had NO idea that it was an advanced class! I was completely out of my league, had no clue what I was doing, and swore I would never return! My 2nd week into practicing I took a Dharma Mittra class which is even MORE difficult. Needless to say, I was completely traumatized, and thought I would never get over my fear of more difficult classes!
I started off slow, taking slow Vinyasa and moderate classes. When they added in a Friday 6 am Vinyasa with one of my favorite teachers, I decided to go for it. The first class was just me, so it was almost like a private lesson! I LOVE it. It’s challenging and I love learning new ways to get into different poses, and I feel more confident in my ability to practice at home. Having an at home practice is so important for me because my time is limited, and there are a couple days during the week that I can’t get to the studio for a class.
When you step out of your comfort zone, beautiful things happen!
Guest Blog Post by Ashley Craft: What’s the deal with coffee?
What’s the deal with coffee?
By Ashley Craft
If just the idea of giving up your organic, fair-trade coffee seems completely unbearable, relax! You don’t have to necessarily abandon your beloved eco-friendly coffee mug in order to enjoy elevated levels of well-being. There are many different varying views and studies, each with their own evidence to validate their findings… coffee is healthy, wait, no it’s not. While studying at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, I learned that there are just about as many benefits as there are not-so-desirable side effects to this favorite morning substance.
As a holistic health coach, my view is this: if you adore your morning Joe and can’t imagine living life without it, then keep enjoying it! Drinking coffee has been associated with positive moods, improved concentration and alertness, and increasing social-ability, among many other benefits. Plus… it’s loaded in antioxidants!
If you don’t already drink coffee, but read somewhere that it was healthy… I would recommend not trying to drink it if you weren’t into it already. A few of the less spectacular side effects include: increased feelings of stress, anxiety, irritability, nutritional deficiencies, adrenal exhaustion, and increasing the acidity of your body.
What is the Ayurvedic perspective?
Ayurveda, which is recognized by the World Health Organization as a complete system of natural healing, encourages natural states of being without the use of mood-altering substances. If you have somewhat of a hot and fiery personality type (the Pitta dosha), then caffeine can be especially aggravating, increasing your chance of becoming out of balance. According to this ancient philosophy, if you decide to drink coffee… it is not recommended to drink it first thing in the morning. Because of its acidity, it can be irritating to an empty stomach. It is generally advised to enjoy a cup after your lunch instead; the reason for this is that it can be beneficial to digestion.
It really comes down to being mindful about when/why you are drinking it, and being aware of the beneficial or not so lovely side effects it may be having on you. And, it may be food-industry cliché to say this… but moderation really is key.
Ashley Craft is a holistic health coach, specializing in supporting women with finding optimal wellness and balance in their modern lives. She received her training at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in 2011, and is board-certified by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. In her health coaching practice, she supports busy women with attaining their ideal weight, increasing their energy, and eliminating cravings… naturally!
Yoga: It’s Called a ‘Practice’ for a Reason
I have been doing a ton of yoga lately! If you follow me on Twitter, you know I’ve been taking at least one class a day, sometimes 2 or more! I am in love. My back has been feeling so much better, I am able to sit for longer periods of time with less discomfort and I just feel good overall. My spirits have been high and meditation has become a regular part of my day/night. I can’t get enough! Treating patients in the clinic puts a lot of stress on my mind, body, and spirit. In order for me to be able to help others I have to keep myself strong and balanced. Moving forward in your own life is essential to helping others move forward in theirs. Between school, clinic, studying, and work, yoga helps me to keep that balance by allowing me to dedicate time to myself, whether I am taking a class at the studio or working on my at home practice.
I have said this before, but one of the things I love about yoga is the ability to laugh at myself when I fall. It’s not that serious, it’s just yoga, and it is called a ‘practice’ for a reason. Yoga is teaching me self acceptance, self love, acceptance for others, and love for others. If I ever find myself frustrated in class, I take a step back and ask myself “why are you frustrated?” The answer is never because I can’t get this asana down. Ultimately it is something else in my life, not the yoga practice, that is bothering me. Yoga is teaching me forgiveness. Forgiving others, but most importantly, forgiving myself. We are our biggest critic, judge, condemner. We grasp onto our regrets and our failures like we’re holding on for dear life. But when we can’t let things go, we’re not really living. Know the difference between covering or bottling up and letting go. I’m not sure if I will ever completely grasp that concept but like anything and everything that’s worth it, it is a work in progress! Live your yoga practice on and off the mat 
Sayings That Inspire
“Take from me all that is not free.” -Bhagavan Das, a chant to Kali Ma
Ah Zissen Pesach!
I started my day off with a hot 26 yoga class. Then went back and did a moderate vinyasa flow class in the afternoon, and ended my day having Passover dinner with my family. Tonight was the first holiday dinner at my father’s house since my mother passed away. It was intimate, (only my dad, brother and boyfriend) but it was really nice.
We celebrate Pesach (Passover) to remind ourselves that we were once slaves in Egypt but now we are free! Pretty much the theme off all Jewish holidays: they tried to kill us, we won, let’s eat!
What I ate: Chicken soup w/1 matzah ball, 1 piece of brisket w/small side of potato & carrot + 1 chocolate covered cherry marshmallow to wash out the dreadful taste from a bite of Passover chocolate chip cookie! (blech!)
Wishing you and yours a very Happy Holiday weekend! Xo
Yoga Intensive with Raghunath!
Two Saturday’s ago I did a 2 hour yoga intensive workshop at the Center for Health and Healing in Toms River, NJ. It was the first yoga intensive I’ve ever attended, and it was inspiring!
He opened up the class by having us all sing together, and then went through different Vinyasa-like flows. I was even able to get into a handstand with the help of @greenteagirl, and held koundiyanasana for about 5 seconds! It felt amazing to push my body and go out of my comfort zone. The class was full, students of all levels attended and everyone’s mats were laying side by side. There was no judgement, just yoga.
We ended the class as we had begun it, with a song. The energy in the room was beautiful and loving, and felt like we had really tapped into that collective consciousness.
He made the most simple, yet inspiring statement: After you practice yoga, you should feel like you meditated, not like you just did a workout. This completely clicked for me. Don’t get me wrong, I love my kettlebells, and running gets me pretty close to that meditative state, but not like yoga, which works on the level of the mind, body, and spirit. There is something beautiful and profound about being present in your body and mind at the same time. I have learned that being able to do the poses is only half the battle, and that the breath is just as important, if not more.
We are always putting pressure on ourselves and those around us to be the best, the smartest, the prettiest, the strongest, the fastest, etc… It is nice to have yoga there to remind me that it is alright to accept my limitations and honor wherever I am at that moment.
When you go out of your comfort zone, miraculous things can happen!
Namaste ♥
Here is a little blurb about Raghu, taken from the Center for Health and Healing’s website:
Raghunath, born Ray Cappo has been leading people towards natural and healthy lifestyles for the last 23 years.
In his youth he was an inspired outspoken punk musician that led tens of thousands of youth peers to adopt a positive mental attitude, and a healthy vegetarian / vegan, drug free lifestyle. He became an instant cult celebrity touring the world many times over either performing or public speaking. The unexpected death of his father, the shallowness of the music scene and desire to learn about health and spirituality brought him to yoga and then to India in the late 80′s. From 22-27 he practiced bramacharya (a celibate student.) Mastering yoga asanas, breath work pranayama, and ancient literature he became fascinated with health, balanced life and learning how to assist the body to heal and detoxify.
In 1991 in the holy city of Vrindavan, he was awarded the name Raghunath and 2 years later the sacred thread for his understanding of sacred texts. In his travels he has met several masters, swamis, yogi’s and he incorporates all of their teaching into his own. Raghunath has been leading his peers towards well being, health and balance since his youth and now at 42 married with 4 children of his own he has become a living example of reversing the aging process through proper diet and the lifestyle of a yogi.
Raghunath was a senior teacher at the exclusive Sports Club LA Beverly Hills as well as the prestigious Yoga Works in Los Angeles. His overwhelming success in with his 3 week- RAW YOGI CLEANSE which promotes weight loss, energy, and clear skin has given catapulted him to a health and wellness guru in Beverly Hills. In March 2007 he made a conscious choice with his family to move from the city for a closer connection with nature and community in the beautiful Hudson Valley in Upstate New York where he teaches, leads Maha Sadhana workshops, Masters Classes, intensives workshops, leads kirtans, cleanses, & retreats.
Product Review: Origins Facial Skin Care
In Chinese medicine, the body goes through cycles of 7 and 8. Seven years for women, and 8 years for men. Between the ages of 20 and 21 (about my 3rd cycle of 7) my skin started breaking out more easily and became more sensitive. I have probably spent thousands of dollars on facial products. Everything from high-end products, such as Dior to more mainstream brands, such as Clean and Clear.
The lovely ladies at an Origins in New York were kind enough to send me some samples! I told her what I wanted out of my product and she knew exactly what to send. I have used Origins products before, and they have yet to disappoint!
Origins Brighter By Nature SPF 35 Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer
Brighter By Nature moisturizer is a skin tone correcting moisturizer, which is perfect if you have dark spots and discoloration from acne or sun damage. Or even if you just want to help brighten up your face.
Some key ingredients in this moisturizer are Japanese basil leaf, cucumber, white peony, and vitamin C.
My skin is sensitive and tends to break out easily in some areas and dry up in others. This moisturizer feels amazing. It goes on smoothly, absorbs nicely, and does not leave my skin feeling greasy, oily, or dry. Best of all, it didn’t irritate or make my skin feel like it’s on fire like other facial products have!
Never A Dull Moment Skin-brightening Face Cleanser with Fruit Extracts
This is an amazing cleanser. It is gentle, doesn’t dry my skin out or make it irritated/red. I have only been using it a week, but my skin looks refreshed and the tone becomes more even every day.
All of Origins cleansers are plant-based and smell yummy. This cleanser is no exception. The scent is light, fresh, and soothing. You only need a small amount to cover the face, so nothing goes to waste!
High-Potency Night-A-Mins Face Mineral-Enriched Renewal Cream
Night-A-Mins moisturizer has time-released resurfacers and Vitamins C, E and H. The moisturizer is light, absorbs beautifully, and did not make my face greasy after applying or the next morning, which is something I always look for in nighttime moisturizer! This also comes in an oil-free formula.
Never A Dull Moment Skin-Brightening Face Polisher with Fruit Extracts
This skin-brightening face polisher, with natural ingredients such as apricot, mango seeds, and papaya, gently exfoliates and made my skin glow. Also, the citrus scent helped relieve a migraine that I felt coming on before I used it!
I coated my whole face in a layer of the polish, rubbed it into my skin in a circular motion, let sit for 10 minutes, then rinsed off with warm water. Fantastic!
Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Bright Skin Tone Correcting Serum
This serum is designed to cut the appearance of dark spots caused by sun damage, acne, age spots, etc…
Rose Roxburghill complex, which is a Chinese herb known for its cancer fighting properties, is the key ingredient that corrects damage that causes skin discoloration and reduces inflammation to prevent skin irritation and future outbreaks.
I have noticed such a difference in my skin over the last week. It is so important for us to take care of our bodies, inside and out, and Origins has made me seriously reconsider my skin regimen.
I love that all the ingredients in Origins products are natural and organic, and do not include parabens and other harmful ingredients. Also, they are appropriate for all skin types.
From the start, my skin looked and felt better than it has with other products. After a week, I have noticed a softening of texture, increase in brightness, evening of tone, and dark spots that I had from blemishes have noticeably faded. I am confident that Origins products will ease me into my 4th cycle of 7!
3/5/12 – Clinic and Life Balancing Act
I can’t believe we are already into March! I know I have completely been slacking on posts, but life has been super busy. I picked up extra hours at work on top of starting clinic at the beginning of February. I am officially a 3rd year acupuncture clinic intern! Just one step closer to graduation!
As you can imagine, this has made life a bit more crazy. On top of that, I have been sick on and off for the past month or so. At first with a head cold of some sort, and now I am just getting over a stomach virus. I believe my immune system has been compromised due to excess stress and not enough down time.
What this has taught me is that I need to take better care of myself. This goes for all health care practitioners! We must be strong and healthy in order to help and heal others. If our energy is depleted, we are not only doing a disservice to those who depend on us, but also to ourselves. A balance of sleep, diet, exercise, and time to ourselves is necessary.
As we eased into the colder (Yin) months, I altered my workouts to be a bit more tame and less demanding, (with Josh Hillis’ System Six), and implemented yoga back into my routine.
Wednesday’s are tough because I am up at 4 am, 1 1/2 hour drive to clinic, and I am there treating patients from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm. Some days are slower than others, but regardless it feels like I’m always on the move. This makes it difficult to follow a normal eating schedule and it tends to throw me off a bit. To combat this, here is what I tend to bring:
• Homemade trail mix of unsweetened dried fruit and raw nuts (I like tart cherries and almonds. For a treat, sometimes I add Himalayan chocolate covered goji berries to the mix)
• Hardboiled eggs; very convenient for eating on the go!
• Quinoa salads; heat free, gluten free, filling and energizing, and you can add a variety of fresh healthy ingredients (basil, cilantro, avocado, red onion, goat cheese, peppers, tofu, grilled chicken, etc…)
• Tea
• Life Factory glass water bottle – Luckily, there are water coolers at the school – staying hydrated is SO important!
I am definitely looking forward to the longer days and warmer months that Spring and Summer have to offer!
Partner Up!
For over a year now I have been promoting hot yoga to anyone who will listen. Last week I even dragged my boyfriend along for the ride. He loved it!
When I told him it was going to be over 100 degrees in the room and that the class is 1.5 hours, he was more than hesitant. But he stepped out of his comfort zone and did great! I think it helped that there were about 5 or 6 other men in the class. I love the studio that I go to because all the instructors are so helpful and knowledgeable and it is completely judgement free. The instructor Joelle seemed to put him at ease immediately, and he even asked if he could join me again this week
I am introducing another friend to hot yoga this week as well, and I think she’ll love it. Yoga is such a big stress reliever, and going with a partner or friend makes it even more enjoyable! Amazing things happen when you step out of your comfort zone and experience something new!
