Nothing Like a Travelin Yogini

My mother and I travelled back to Baltimore - a place that we both feel is very special and close to our hearts. It was so incredibly nostalgic being back there and we loved every single second of it. We did things that we had done before and we did things that were completely new. My mother and I always have a blast on our little mini trips that we go on. We watched an Oriole's game and they won big time. Anyway, the point of this blog is - there is nothing like doing a yoga pose in a place that you love dearly. It changes the perspective, the image, the feelings/emotions, the memory. The past memories turn into present memories. It's a wonderful feeling. Doing yoga postures in random places throughout Baltimore, Fells Point, the Inner Harbor makes me realize that my life is not what it is supposed to be right now and that's okay. The most important thing is that it will eventually be the way it's supposed to be, I will be not only grounded in myself but in a certain location that I love dearly. I will feel at home, I will shine from within and shine wherever I go.

 

"Travel light, live light, spread the light, be the light." -Yogi Bhajan

 

31 Days of Yoga Challenge (Day 31)

Day 31

Today I am thankful for music. I just don't know what I would do without it. Music has gotten me through some rough times. It can be so emotional, so upbeat, and sometimes it just tells the story of your life. It's amazing how people can be so moved by words and the melody of something so wonderful as music. It's amazing and people who are able to play instruments, sing, write songs... that's talent and I love it. music can be so beautiful whether there are lyrics or if it's just instrumental. No song is alike and there is a different meaning for each one. Each song and piece is personal to every person. I think that's what I like it so much. It's a wonderful thing and I will forever cherish that.

31 Days of Yoga Challenge (Day 30)

Day 30

Today I am thankful for my country and where I am able to live. Even though there are so many problems in the world.... even where we live we still have it a lot better than most people. We don't have to deal with a lot of things that people in other countries have to deal with. We are fortunate to have in a country where w can most of the time easily get hired for a job, we have right to vote, marry whomever we choose, and so many more reasons. We have security that most people don't have and that's something to be thankful for. Don't take that kind of thing for granted.

31 Days of Yoga Challenge (Day 29)

Day 29

Today I was thankful for the film/motion picture industry. Me being the huge cinephile that I am, I just absolutely love film. Even though people may judge Hollywood and celebrities who devote their lives to performing arts and in film, I will say that I honor celebrities and I look up to them. What they do is an art and a gift. I however do not look up to for example, the Kardashians. They are a huge waste of time and talent in that business and if you ask me they are a huge disgrace to Hollywood. The people I admire look more like Audrey Hepburn - a fashion icon, a good role model, a classy, conservative and well brought up woman. People like Ian Somerhalder who create foundations to empower and educate people and projects on the planet and creatures living on it. It's a foundation to educate people and raise awareness about positively acting toward all living things. People like Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt who donate to so many charities as well as giving sweet children a chance at happiness to be apart of a loving family. People like that deserve to be praised and recognized for what they do because they also give back. They have money and they use their wealth for good. not everyone in that business is a quality person, but there are a lot of them who are; and I commend them for that.

31 Days of Yoga Challenge (Day 28)

Day 28

Today I was thankful for goofy moments and being silly. Life can be so serious at times, each and every one of us needs to take the time to let go and just laugh hysterically sometimes. So take the time to just smile and laugh for no apparent reason. Be silly because life is already serious. Be silly today, you can be serious tomorrow.

31 Days of Yoga Challenge (Day 27)

Day 27

On the 27th day I was thankful for relaxation and serenity. Serenity is the highest form of peace. Everyone needs to experience a little bit of relaxation and serenity every day and sometimes more than just a little bit. Not all yoga poses are difficult, a simple little half lotus will suffice. Half lotus is a simple and relaxing pose, but it's just as beneficial as any other yoga pose. Being able to find serenity in life and most importantly within yourself is important. Let your heart be calm.

31 Days of Yoga Challenge (Day 26)

Day 26

Today I am thankful for all of the simple things in life. I am thankful for simplicity. Today my practice was about devoting yourself to the simple things in life, to try and act/think simple today. To block out any complicated thoughts or emotions that you feel need to be pushed out. The goal was to focus on easing your mind, your body and spirit. As life progresses I think we all tend to live more complicated lives. Things happen in everyday life that clutter out mind with complex things and circumstances and sometimes we just need an hour to ourselves to think simply, to not think about anything hard or difficult, to live a happy and free life - even if it is for just one hour. After all, simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. Don't be simple minded, but be simple in a way where it uncomplicates your life for just a moment.

31 Days of Yoga Challenge (Day 25)

Day 25

Today I am thankful for the sun. If you take the time to honor the sun you will realize that it completely transforms the world we live in. It brings us light, warmth, and happiness. It fuels the growth of plant life to make our world more beautiful. Without the sun the world simply cannot thrive on any energy and cannot transform. But because the sun does exist the world is more beautiful each and every day. As the sun rises higher in the sky during the season of summer so does our internal element of fire, our Pitta dosha. We are all made up of a unique combination of elements - earth, water, fire, and air. The element of fire that the sun provides for us keeps the inner flame in us strong. In the beginning of a yoga practice yogis do a few sun salutations to warm up... and the sun salutations are my favorite part of a practice. I love the way it makes me feel and when I'm doing it I really actually feel like I am honoring the sun during that part of my practice. Without the sun the world is a much darker place.