searching for sunshine

So the sun has been gone for about a week now, and to tell you the truth, I am really missing it. Yes, I love the cloudy chilly fall weather - but only to a certain extent. Give me that sunshine too! Not just the actual sun bringing light into the world, but what can brighten up my day when I am feeling low? What can bring me that uplifting feeling? The softness, the happy glow to my life. We must learn to make our own sunshine each and everyday. 

It's easy to be happy when everything in your life is going right. But then we have the days where it feels a cloud is sitting over our head. Find that one bright spot, find the one thing that makes you happy - maybe it's a call to a best friend, a yoga class, playing with your pet, baking - anything that gives you a little lift. Find a ray of light in the cloudiest of moments.  

Refuse to live in the shadow of a cloud. Make the conscious decision to be happy, make the conscious decision to have a bright day. You have the power within you to choose how your day is going to be, how to live your life. The universe has supplied you with all you need. Take that, and find your happy glow. 

I know someone who when asked "How are you?" regardless of how she feels or what is going on, replies "Sunny and 80." What a great outlook. Just saying that out loud makes the day seem better and lighter. Every morning when your feet touch the floor, give thanks that you have another day, and choose to make it the best day possible. It's all about attitude. 

Find your sunshine. Find what brings you pure bliss, and hold onto that on the darkest of days. Make the clouds part and the sun shine through on you. 

Inhale

Inhale LOVE

Exhale indifference

Inhale JOY

Exhale negativity

Inhale PEACE

Exhale violence

Inhale CONFIDENCE

Exhale doubt

Inhale STRENGTH

Exhale judgement

Inhale LOVE

Only Love.

YOU are deserving.

Just believe.

Manifest love. Relish in love. Live in love. 

my favorite quotes - my favorite day

Welcome to my newest section of the blog! Finding inspiration in quotations. We all have our favorites, the ones we share on our blogs (ahem…guilty), on instagram, facebook, etc. And some quotes are self explanatory, others we interpret in our own ways. I think it’s always interesting so hear what people think, where their inspiration lies within that quote, why it speaks to them. So here we go!

My first one comes from one of my favorite childhood characters, Winnie the Pooh.

“Any day spent with you is my favorite day. So, today is my new favorite day.”

I mean, how cute is that. And yes we can relate this to an intimate relationship, to whom we may love or be with….but I think it also relates with all of the people in our life. We surround ourselves with those that hold us up, that inspire us, that support us. Surround yourself with those that make you the best you are. If you have friends like that, every day will be your new favorite day.

Call up those friends that make you happy. Re-connect with those that once did but that you’ve fallen out of touch with. And looking for more, or to find those special people? Do what you love, and you will find those that love the same thing.

So go out – spend a day with a friend, a family member. Have the best day. Have your favorite day. 

(be) open hearted

(Personal photo taken at Torrey Pines, La Jolla CA in 2009)

Mantra: I am a being of light & love. My heart is open - I experience life freely, playfully, and fully. I experience life with no hesitation. I celebrate love by giving it all I have. I let it manifest in all ways possible. I let it from through me as the loving being that I am. Love is not yours, love is not mine, love just is. In love & with my open heart - I am free. 

Instead of visioning what love is, let's envision what love feels like - all day long. In yoga - it's in every asana, in the meditation, in savasana. Our hearts often become so closed and guarded due to a variety of things such as a break up, a fight with a friend, losing someone close. It happens, shit happens. But we must work to keep our hearts balanced. 

Our deepest wounds are opportunities for growth and transformation. 

Keeping the heart balanced requires a deep ongoing commitment - seek freedom in the heart and remain open by connecting with those around you. In yoga - it's the asana, breath work, and healthy living that will support the functioning of the physical heart. Stretch it, balance it. Open the heart chakra. Elevate your conciousness to heal imbalances in the system. Help heal yourself. 

The worst prison would be a closed heart. Surrender, and love where you are at right this moment. Open your heart and experience more love and joy. 

(be) a fighter

I recently woke up with sharp pains in my chest....one of the most terrifying feelings. After a trip to the ER, and multiple doctor consultations, I was at a loss, and so were they. No one could figure out why I felt such sharp pains to the left side of my chest. I couldn't take a deep breath, I couldn't lay on my back, I couldn't open a window, couldn't reach down to put my shoes on...it was all too painful. I was scared. 

After two days of resting, and no results, I really began to think about what stresses I had put on my body this past week. I began to reflect, and to listen to my body. Then I remembered I did take a fall out of handstand last week, twisting my shoulder. It hurt a little, but then nothing came of it. Reflecting back, that type of rotation though? Something must have popped. 

So off to the chiropractor I went. 6 of my ribs were unaligned, my shoulder had slightly popped out, as well as my bicep. He worked on them, and the sharp pains lifted. I felt a sense of relief.

Later that evening, the pain returned. I couldn't breathe deeply, and even my regular shorter breaths hurt. Blood work came back showing I have some type of infection....Another restless night of sleep, interrupted by shooting pains. Fear took over. 

But I woke up this morning with a new outlook, despite the ongoing pain. I had to let go of my fear. I am going to be ok. I am going to fight whatever this is. I can get through whatever life throws my way. I have an incredible support system, I am a healthy 23 year old, and combined with positive thinking, I will fight whatever is hurting me, and come out stronger. 

I have learned to listen to my body. I have learned rest is one of the most important things we can do for ourselves. I have learned to never give up. I have learned it's ok to rely on others for help and support. 

I am a fighter. 

(be) bright

Yoga is a union - a joining - we come together to help one another, to learn, to grow. We look to others for inspiration - never in jealousy - but in zeal. Our breath inspires, our body inspires, our mind inspires. We have the ability to be a bright spot in anyones day. 

When we act in our truest form we affects others - we have purpose. Just by being you, you'll change someone. We aren't alone. We live in a beautiful community, we have the support of the earth below us, the sky above, the universe brings us together in mysterious yet gorgeous ways. We have the support of our neighbors, friends, family. We are not alone. 

We are in a constant relationships with each other, with nature, with ourselves. We give, and getting to give is a gift. Sometimes we feel uncomfortable when people give to us, we don't know how to respond. Learn to receive, because by receiving you've given someone the gift of giving. 

And listen, listen to your peers, to those around you, to this beautiful world. Let it be heard. Listen before you respond. Understand before trying to be understood. Your energy alone can change someone. We are bright beings, all connected, living off of one another's breath. What do you want the reaction to be?

Lets be in union with each other & shine bright. Lets be the best being we can. Picture your best self, internalize it. You are incredible - filled with joy and happiness. Let go of self doubt and criticism. You are the best you, simply because you are. Live here. Live in this union.

healthy livin

When I lived in San Diego, and as many of my friends out there can attest to, one of my favorite things to eat was an acai bowl. I had never seen them back on the east coast, although there are heath food stores popping up now that sell them. Each bite is a little taste of heaven! Packed with any fruits you wish to add in, and any toppings you want - they are great for on the go or at at home. A perfect breakfast. A great pre-yoga snack, or post-yoga replenisher. 

But what exactly is acai? The Acai Tree is native to the Amazon Rainforest, and it produces small dark purple berries. Natives have long used acai to boost their energy, as well as for healing ailments to support recovery. The berries are packed with antioxidants, amino acids and omega fatty acids. All of which help slow the aging process by boosting the immune & metabolic systems. It's also a great protein source - which combined with the omega fatty acids helps improve hair, skin, and nails. 

Try the recipe below - or get creative! Any fruit add-ins will work! 

1 frozen acai packet (Can be purchased at Whole Foods in the frozen section)

1 cup frozen fruit (strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are my favorites!)

1 banana

1 spoonful of vanilla fat-free yogurt 

1-2 tbsp orange juice

A dash of agave

1/4 cup of granola

1 tsp. coconut

Defrost the acai packet slightly by running it under hot water. Empty the contents into a blender. Add the frozen fruit, banana, yogurt, orange juice (as needed), and agave. Blend until smooth. Transfer into a bowl, mason jar, or container of choice. Top with granola & coconut - and enjoy! You can always add other toppings like fresh berries and chia seeds. 

Enjoy all the deliciousness that is!