Blog - Page 18 of 52 - Spoiled Yogi

A Mid-Century Modern Makeover

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7 Awkward Moments That Happen In Yoga Class

Disclaimer: In my years as a yoga student and teacher, I’ve witnessed every one of these awkward moments in yoga class. I think they’re all incredibly amusing. But when I first started, I also thought they were incredibly embarrassing. If that’s you, please know that if you persist and keep practicing, you’ll learn not to give a flying flip about the awkward moments because all the gifts you get from the practice will be well worth them. Luckily, I’ve never had all seven happen in the same class (knock on wood).

1. Things are going well. You made it through a tough sequence of standing poses. Now it’s on to a standing forward bend. Unfortunately, as you fold forward, someone farts. It’s a loud one, and everyone in the room hears it. People try to be polite and hold back their childish giggles. The teacher keeps a straight face, and pretends it didn’t happen. She continues on with class. The next words out of her mouth are: “Take a full, deep breath as you lift your torso back up.” Or.. maybe we could all hold our breath while you go open a window?

Image via Flickr user Rafael Montilla

2. You come out of a standing wide-legged forward bend just a little too soon. As you ground your feet and lift to standing with a perfectly flat back, the back of your head comes into direct contact with something a little bony, a little squishy… OMG! Is that a butt? Yes. Yes it is.

3. After accidentally head butting a complete stranger’s Mula Bhanda, you have to now avoid eye contact with her for the rest of the class. Things quickly take a turn for a worse when your teacher utters these words: Let’s partner up!

Image via Flickr user Le Yoga

4. The woman next to you—we’ll call her Shanti because you’re too busy glaring at the back of your teacher’s head to actually listen to her tell you her name—chooses you to be her partner. Maybe she’s accustomed to practically being assaulted in yoga class. You wonder if there’s something wrong with her as she grabs your wrists and gently leans back.

5. Her hands are sweaty. When she’s done “adjusting” you, you’d really like to wipe your hands on something or, better yet, disinfect them. You don’t because she might see you do it and you wouldn’t want to be rude.

Image via Flickr user Evan Lovely

6. Savasana. Finally. What could possibly go wrong during final resting pose? Snoring, for one. It’s hard to relax when there’s someone sawing logs inches away from your sensitive ears. We’re glad YOU’RE relaxing, buddy…

7. Snoring, of course, can be excused. It’s not like the person is consciously disturbing others. Unlike the guy who groans out load as if he were being, um, enjoying it a little too much, when the teacher gives him a totally G-rated adjustment. Yes, there are some who tell you to “let it all go” Frozen-style in yoga class, but for the sake of all that is good and pure in the world, could you reign it in just a LITTLE bit?

Hometown Yoga Heroes: Q&A with YogaPop Founder Becca Finley

I hate to admit it, but I’m kind of a yoga loner. When I make it to group classes, I often sit quietly on my mat and stare at my toes until class begins. When it’s over, I say “Namaste,” silently wish those around my well, roll up my mat, and dart out the door as quickly as possible so I can get back to my little family. I know there’s nothing wrong with this—yoga is, after all, an individual practice. But I also know there’s a whole world of amazing yoga friends throughout this city that I’ll never get to know if I don’t take the time to say hello. Even if you’re really outgoing, it can be difficult to make friends in most yoga classes—most teachers do not exactly welcome chit chatting between postures.

This is one of the many reasons I’m so excited about YOGAPOP, Charleston’s very own event combining yoga with live music, live entertainment (think dance performances, fashion shows, etc.), and plenty of opportunities to make small talk with people who practice yoga all over Charleston. There are so many amazing ways to practice yoga in this city (See Why Charleston, SC is One of the BEST Cities for Yoga)! YOGAPOP celebrates them all, helps to bring us all together in one place, and even gives us a chance to get to know each other better.

I love that this event is totally local, too—there are amazing local teachers, like my girl Elli Boland, and local partners like GatherYoga (who happens to be streaming the event for those of you who aren’t local). YOGAPOP was the brainchild of Becca Finley, also the “chief creator” behind The Music Initiative and This Is Noteworthy and founder of Music Uncovered Magazine, and her partner Hilary Johnson, founder of the local event production company Gusto Group.

We’re just a few days away from YOGAPOP: Gratitude, and I couldn’t be more excited! I chatted with Becca Finley to learn more about what to expect, the story behind the event, and what we can expect to see from YOGAPOP next year.

It’s happening Friday at 6:30pm at Memminger Auditorium, downtown. Tickets are $25 in advance/$32 at the door. Oh, and if you’re coming—find me! I’d love to expand my own little yoga community. I’ll be the girl sitting alone, quietly staring at my toes.

Tell me how YOGAPOP started. Where did the idea come from?

My partner, Hilary Johnson, and I wanted to combine two things we love: yoga and live music into one whimsical night of fun that we could give to our local yoga community. Our intention was to unify amazing people, and create a unique, healthy, lighthearted evening for everyone to enjoy.

Are you surprised by how successful these events have been?

Surprised, no. Delighted, yes. Grateful, absolutely! We had a feeling that our local yoga community would relish in an evening that would highlight what they are passionate about. And on top of it they get to hang, have a cocktail, eat some amazing food, and shop. What is not to love about that!

What are some of the ways you want YOGAPOP to be different from the yoga and music experiences one might find in some of the yoga studios in the Charleston area?

We love the creativity of all the studios, and the experiences that come forth are all so special in their own ways. We want YOGAPOP to be a massive celebration. Lots of people, lots of fun, lots of excitement, and the ability to share with yogis of all differing levels and philosophies.

How will the November YOGAPOP be different from the previous two?

November’s YOGAPOP will be a bit more intimate than the previous two. We have chosen to host the event at Memminger Auditorium, so we can only have about 350 yogis this time. Things to get excited about: the stage configuration, the amazing vendors, an inspired chat with Ashley Cebulka, a kickass class with Elli Boland, a 45-minute concert with Brendan James, Acroyoga, new vendors, gifts, and a few other surprises.

Music is a big part of YOGAPOP, and it’s obviously a big part of your life, too, since you are also the founder of The Music Initiative/This Is Noteworthy. How has music impacted your life? And why is it so important to you to share that with others?

Music consumes my life, and has since I was a kid. My grandmother was an accomplished and well-traveled music professional in the 1930’s and 1940’s when women didn’t really venture outside of the box of “wife/mother”. She was an amazing role model.

I studied music and theatre in school, and then had a bad case of stage fright, and became scared of the thought of pursuing a career that “was too hard to make a living.” So, I made it my mission to help other musicians be able to prepare themselves better to be able to pursue a career, and not feel that same fear whether it be through performance, business, or health issues.

On a selfish note, music is my gateway to my higher power. Most of my messages come through lyrics of music. And this happens all the time. I get chills just thinking about it. So, if I want my messages, I have to protect the people who are making them.

Are you a yoga student, too? Tell me about your practice.

I am a yoga student as well, albeit a new one. My practice is all about restorative and Yin. I am fast, fast, fast all the time. So, I need to commit to being on that mat, slowing down, and digging deep. Whatever it may be that day. I spend a bunch of time at Gaea being all the way in it.

You wear so many hats! How do you stay grounded?

I am so grateful I have amazing friends, coaches, teachers, partners, and collaborators that give me support. Also, it doesn’t hurt to have an awesome dog, and an amazing boyfriend who keep the love flowing unconditionally.

Do you have any advice for other local entrepreneurs who are pursuing big ideas?

Believe and listen to your gut, above everything else. I also really like this quote by Goethe, it always helps me.

“Whatever you think or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, magic, and power in it.”

What’s next for you?

A whole 2015 of amazing YOGAPOPs, more music concerts to help raise money for musician’s healthcare, a book, a children’s music cd, a clothing line, Cooper River Bridge Run, a new series of the television show, and who knows what else? The sky is the limit, right?

Learn more about YOGAPOP.

3 Steps to Combat Holiday Stress

There’s no denying it: The holiday season is upon us. And if you’re like most of us that means a rush of activities. Parties, happy hours, and shopping all become the norm. There will soon be glittery, flashing lights everywhere. Holiday music will blare from every retail store speaker. Even if you’re doing your shopping from the comfort of your own home online, there will be a million things competing for your attention while you shop for Grandma’s perfect gift.

Ooh! Look! Someone just liked my Facebook photo!

What was I talking about, again?

Oh, yes. The holidays. And how there’s so much happening during the season, it can be overwhelming and difficult to focus…

I’m a yoga teacher, so it’s my professional obligation to recommend a yoga class as an anecdote to just about everything that ails you (I think it’s in the Yoga Alliance’s code of ethics or something). But, I’m not going to do that because I think adding something else to your already busy schedule might not be the best way to combat overstimulation. In fact, I’ve noticed that many yoga classes (with their blaring pop playlists, neon-clad students, and complicated pose sequences) actually ADD to the sense overload many of us experience during our busiest times.

2 Minute Yoga Practice for Holiday Stress | SpoiledYogi.com

Here’s what I suggest instead: A simple, 2-minute practice you can do at your desk (when you take a break from work or shopping for Grandma), before bed, or any time you just. want. to. make. the. noise. STOP. (As a bonus, it’s also a great way to soothe tired, dry, computer eyes.)

Try this:

1. Take a deep breath as you rub your hands together, creating some warmth.

3 Steps to Combat Holiday Stress | Manage holiday stress with yoga | SpoiledYogi.com

2. Bring palms to your eyes, and let your fingers will rest lightly on your forehead. This will give a very light pressure and block out all stimulating light.

3 Steps to Combat Holiday Stress | Manage holiday stress with yoga | Eye palming | SpoiledYogi.com

3. Breathe. Focus on the air entering your lungs. Feel the warmth on your eyes. Enjoy the dark. Stay here for about a minute or longer if you can.

See also
My (Almost) Two-Year-Old Taught Me Pranayama
A Post Thanksgiving Yoga Practice
Hosting A Vegetarian for Thanksgiving? A Few Friendly Tips

15 Things You’re Doing RIGHT in Yoga

Image via Flickr user Stephanie Young Merzel

Yoga teachers devote a lot of class time to sharing how NOT to do a particular pose for good reasons: Sloppy alignment, over effort, and big ambitions can create unwelcome tension and even injuries over time.

That said, if I read one more article about how almost everyone does _______ Pose incorrectly, I might scream. Can it be helpful to pick apart all the ways we do yoga wrong? Sure. Let’s take a break from that and focus on all the things yoga students actually do RIGHT for a change, OK?

This post is for every student who’s ever been discouraged when, no matter how closely you listen to your teachers’ instructions, you just can’t figure out why she runs over to you and pokes your ribs EVERY effing time you attempt Downward-Facing Dog. I’ve been there. Please know that one day it will all click and you will totally understand what your teacher means when she tells you to “knit your ribs” in.

Until then, though, take heart in all the many things you’re doing absolutely perfectly!

For example:

You unroll your mat over and over again. Sometimes it’s easy. Sometimes it feels like you’ve run a marathon by the time you’ve worked hard all day, rushed through traffic, dropped the baby off with the sitter, and finally FINALLY found somewhere to park so you could get a glorious hour on your mat.

You show up with a smile on your face even though someone just flipped you off in the parking lot.

You do your best to listen to both your teacher’s convoluted instructions and your body’s own wisdom and intuition–which is a lot harder than it sounds.

When you fall out of a pose, you laugh at yourself and try again.

When your neighbor on the mat next to you falls out of a pose, you chuckle to yourself and try not to embarrass her in front of the whole class.

When you’re tired, you rest.

When you’re energized, you challenge yourself.

When you’re injured, you modify.

You focus on your breath moving in and out.

You soften where you’re naturally hard. You firm where you’re naturally soft. You bring your body and mind closer to balance every time you practice in more ways than you can probably even identify.

You make changes little by little, bit by bit. You know that the the smallest changes are worth so much more than the biggest, grandest ideas that you don’t follow through on.

You make yourself, your health, your well-being a priority.

You recognize that your teacher has bad days–you smile at her and you come back the next week anyway.

You let the lessons you learn on your yoga mat spill over into all the other areas of your life: you stand up straighter, breathe deeper, leave a smaller footprint, and treat others with more kindness and compassion.

You are open to the unlimited possibilities this practice has to offer you–both physical, mental, and emotional.

You rock! Never forget that!

Prenatal Yoga in Charleston, SC

Know anyone in the Charleston, SC area who is expecting a baby? Send them my way! New Prenatal Yoga Class series starts next week at Barefoot Yoga Studio in North Charleston’s Park Circle.

5 Tips for Yoga on the Beach

5 Tips for Practicing Yoga on the Beach | Everything you need to know about beach yoga | SpoiledYogi.com

The sun. The sand. That healthy sea breeze. The cackle of the sea gulls. The laughter of children. The beach is one of the most awe-inspiring place in the world. Sometimes just a quick walk by the ocean can really put things in perspective: Nature is a large and wonderful place, but we, with our petty problems and worries, are but a small drop in that ocean.

So, of course, practicing yoga on the beach would be an awe-inspiring experience. “When people are outside they feel more free, less stressed,” says Melora Morgan, a yoga teacher in the Charleston, SC area who teaches beach yoga classes at Folly Beach. “People are more likely to be playful in their practice. Just walking out onto the beach brings an immediate release,” she says.

Unfortunately, some of the things that make a beach yoga session really amazing, are also the things that make it a challenge. You can’t always predict when a beautiful day in South Carolina will turn into an ugly thunderstorm, the wind will blow sand into your eyes, or all of a sudden, a hundred tourists will set up camp right in front of the ocean blocking your view and your Zen. (Silly tourists!)

All of this is to say, it’s not always as easy as walking onto the beach on a sunny day and practicing a few Sun Salutations. Sure, you might be able to get in a few poses, but you’ll have a much better experience if you take time to prepare yourself and give yourself.

I asked Melora for a few tips on how to make sure your Namaste on the beach leads to bliss.

Best Tips for Yoga on the Beach

1. Avoid slipping on the sand.

Leave your fancy $100 yoga mat at home–and don’t forget a large towel to put under your old, crusty mat to keep you from sliding around on the sand.

2. Protect your feet.

Under no circumstances should you bring a BLACK mat to the beach. The color absorbs heat, and can burn your tootsies.

3. Protect your skin.

Of course, wear sunscreen! But beware: When sweat and sunscreen drip into your eyes, it’s not a pleasant experience. A headband might help. Or use a waterproof sunscreen that won’t run.

4. Don’t forget your suit.

Wear your swimsuit underneath your yoga clothes. “Nothing feels better after a hot, sweaty yoga class than to jump in the water,” Melora says.

5. Go with the flow.

Allow the sounds of nature: the birds, the ocean, and yes, even the tourists, to be your soundtrack. Don’t be flustered by the distractions. Let them bring you into the present moment and more into your experience.

Learn more about Melora and her beach yoga offerings through Serenity Tree Yoga by visiting her website and Facebook page.

Have you ever practiced yoga on the beach? Tell us about your experience (and share your tips) in the comments section below.

Featured image by Lauren Nelson

6 SUP Yoga Tips for Beginners

SUP Yoga Tips for Beginners | The ultimate guide to Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga | SpoiledYogi.com

Stand up Paddleboard yoga, also known as SUP Yoga, is one of my all-time favorite summer activities. Heck, why stop there? It’s one of my all-time favorite activities, period. It’s SO much fun! If you want to know why it’s awesome, read this blog post I wrote last year for Yoga Journal. When I was starting I had a hard time finding many solid SUP Yoga tips for taking my yoga practice to the water—below I share a few pointers to help you get started.

SUP Yoga Tips for Beginners

1. Find the center of your board.

Most boards have a handle in the very middle of the board to make it easier to lift and carry to and from the water, but the handle is also a great marker that tells you where to stand so you’ll be more stable as you paddle. That means it’s also where you’ll want to center yourself for most yoga poses. For standing poses, like Warrior I and II, plant your feet firmly, and keep your legs actively engaged and isometrically pull them toward your midline (which should also be toward the center of the board). If you feel wobbly, start with a more narrow stance than you might if you were practicing on solid ground–you can always go wider as you get more comfortable.

2. Stay low to the stand up paddleboard.

When I first tried yoga on an SUP board, I was so pleased with myself when I was able to lift up into Crow Pose with relative ease. It didn’t take me long to figure out that poses practiced closer to the board (like Crow and Bow Pose) are much easier for balance than those standing poses that are considered “basic” in a yoga studio. To make Warriors more accessible, practice from a kneeling position, with the back knee down first. Then, slowly, carefully, mindfully (see tip #3) plant the back foot and straighten the back knee to stand up.

3. Take your time.

You might be able to move quickly from pose to pose in a vinyasa class, but if you do that on an SUP board, you might find yourself swimming with the fish! Go slow. Find your sea legs. Move with mindfulness and care, especially as you transition from one pose to the next. You’ll be more comfortable on the board in no time!

4. Allow yourself to be a beginner again.

A lot of people take to the waters when they want to find a little extra challenge than they might find in a yoga studio. Fine. But here’s an important thing to consider. While you might rock your poses on land, it’s a totally different experience when you take it on an SUP board. Your balance may be feel off–WAY off! You might even begin to get frustrated that you aren’t able to float right up into an advanced pose like you’ve seen others do in your Instagram feed. Resist the tendency to compare (or compete) and really enjoy the adventure of being a beginner again. Go back to your basics–feet grounded, muscles engaged, gaze focused–and be OK with feeling fully present and alive in poses that you sometimes check out in during your studio practice. That’s a more advanced practice than Scorpion Pose, really.

5. Find new ways to connect.

Yoga is all about connection. So take this opportunity to take connection to a whole new level. It’s yoga, so you obviously want to connect with your body, your breath, your intention, the present moment. But don’t stop there. Connect with nature–whether you’re in a place with dolphins swimming by (my favorite!) or just a calm, serene landscape. Connect with other SUPers, kayakers, fishers… wave at people partying on their pontoon boat even though they’re totally disrupting your zen and the motor boat making waves that threaten to send you overboard. Because it’s the ability to connect that makes this practice different from other fitness activities.

6. Be safe!

This is a “duh,” tip, but oh-so-important! Bring along a life vest. And Find an SUP Yoga teacher in your area. Rent a board that’s long and wide—I like the Boga Yoga board.

Bonus Tip: Most importantly, have fun!

vYou might fall off your board. It happens. It might even be funny to someone watching from a distance. So, what? When you fall, laugh at yourself, climb back up, and try again. Enjoy the process.

Have you ever tried SUP Yoga? Share your tips with us in the comments section below.

Broke A** Yoga Teacher?: 4 Ways to Pad Your Paycheck

Image via Flickr user The Yoga People

Did your invitation to headline Wanderlust get lost in the mail? Yeah, mine too.

Bill Murray isn’t begging you to come to his vacation home for a $500 private yoga session? Don’t take it personally. I’m sure his agent is just having a hard time finding your contact information.

That yoga studio in Paris didn’t return your calls when you pitched them with your great new workshop idea? Bummer. I’ve always wanted to go to Paris, too. Maybe you should work on your elevator pitch?

Or maybe it’s time to get creative! There are so many cards stacked against the small town, independent yoga teacher. I won’t belabor the point–the brilliant Michelle Marchidon nailed it a lot better than I could in this post. Unless you’re one of the, oh, 25, yoga teachers nationally who get invited to travel the world teaching festivals and workshops, appear on the cover of yoga magazines, or teach the rich and famous, making a living as a yoga teacher these days is no easy feat. It’s a nice dream, but it’s time we ll came to the realization that for most of us, teaching lots of yoga classes just isn’t going to be enough to pay the bills.

I ‘m still figuring it all out for myself, but I’ve been paying attention to how some of the most financially free yoga teachers make a living. And it may not be what you think. Here are a few ideas I’ve been toying with.

1 – Create and Sell a Product.
Whether it’s a book, DVD, or online video course or teacher training, many teachers are supplementing their incomes by creating a product once, and selling it over and over again. Even if you’re not a well-known teacher with a huge following, with a little Internet savvy it shouldn’t be that hard to make enough on the project to make it worth your time. And of course, once you’re a social media superstar, companies will be happy to pay you for your influence.. (But yoga teachers with that much influence, really don’t need my advice, do they? So, let’s move on!)

2 – Cut Out the Middle Man.
Once upon a time, it was my goal to teach at cute, local yoga studios–then I realized that if I was lucky enough to get a slot on the schedule, the studio owner would take as much as 80% of what the students pay to take a class. If you’re doing tons of marketing yourself anyway, you might as well set yourself up so YOU can pocket most of the class fees. I’ve done this by teaching in a public park (free!), renting stand up paddleboards for SUP Yoga classes, partnering with a painting studio to have yoga and painting classes, renting out a local dance studio, and even renting out a room in a yoga studio during their off hours. I’ve seen other teachers have lots of success by teaching at public beaches and even in their own living rooms! It can be a lot of work doing all the marketing yourself (and it’s a liability going it alone, too), but most yoga teachers have to market themselves to fill their classes anyway. You might as well maximize your earning potential, too. You may never make tons of cash this way (I haven’t yet!), but at least there’s the POTENTIAL to make some if a class idea takes off. Plus, it feels good to me knowing your success (or failure) is completely in your own hands.

3 – Join a Network Marketing Company You Love.
I admit that the first time I saw Elena Brower had become a high level “beauty ecologist” for natural skincare company Pangea Organics, my ick alarm sounded pretty loudly. Is it taking advantage of students to sign them up to be a part of a “network” and then make commission from the work that they do? (For the uninitiated, that’s how companies like Pangea Organics, Pampered Chef, Arbonne, Young Living, etc. work. Person X signs on to be a consultant and works hard to get Person Y to sign up, too. Once Person Y makes the investment to become a consultant, Person X makes a small percentage on any sales Person Y does as well as her own sales.) There’s a lot of money to be made for a persuasive go-getter with a lot of contacts and influence in her community. After I thought a little more about this idea, I came to the conclusion that while the way network marketing companies PAY is a bit different, being a part of one of these companies is a lot like selling your students any other product–even yoga class becomes product when you’re getting paid, am I right? Why not share a product you love and make some extra income when someone you know decides to purchase it based on your recommendation?

4 – Don’t Just Teach Yoga–Teach Life!
I know lots of yoga teachers who teach yoga part time because they love it. The other part of the time they pay their bills through one-on-one life coaching, health and nutrition coaching, or even business coaching. Of course, all of these things probably require a little more training (something I’m unlikely to do), but I wanted to throw it out there because coaching seems like a good option for teachers who are really gifted at helping others take their yoga practice off the mat.

Now, I want to hear from you! Do you have any other bright ideas? I’d love for this to become a lively conversation about what works and what doesn’t in this crazy, saturated market.

*Full disclosure: I’ve recently decided to dabble in Young Living Essential Oils because I thought they would add a little special something to my yoga classes. I just enrolled so making money this way is an untested theory at this point. but I love the possibility! If you want to learn more about the company and/or the oils, give me a holler. I’m happy to share what I know, and maybe even send a few samples your way!

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