Category Archives: La Yoga Vida

Why we Om

Why We Om ॐ

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Unless you have studied the history of yoga or are a yoga teacher yourself, you probably don’t know why you chant “om” at the start of class.

The history of yoga tells us that “om” is the vibrational sound of the universe, but in modern day, most people can’t relate to that.

Here’s my take on it. Modern yoga uses the opening “om” as a way to unite the group and relax your mind before your yoga practice, which is a moving meditation. It’s a way to officially put away everything that was worrying you before class so you can focus on your breath and your body for the next hour or so. It also helps you to feel part of the group, the collective energy in the room, so you can feel supported throughout your practice. At the end of the practice, you close with the “om”, to return to your daily routine with a calm, strong and focused mind, body and spirit.

Om on my friends,

Brenda
GGY 🙂

Email me your blog suggestions or wellness questions you’d like answered to brenda.blanco1@gmail.com. 

 

Stares in the Mirror Yogi

Stares in the Mirror Yogi

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I would like to give a special namaste out to “stares in the mirror yogi”. Yes, practicing yoga will make your body look great, but that is not what class is about.

The true practice of yoga is teaching us to be present in our body, instead of off in our monkey mind of endless thoughts, like “do I look good in this pose?” or “how close is my foot to my head?”

Next time you come to class, think of the mirror as your monkey mind in physical form. Whenever you catch yourself glancing at it, come back to your practice, to your breath and moving meditation. This will not only help you in class, but also help you be more present when you are with friends, family and coworkers.

<3 <3 <3
GGY

Email me your blog suggestions or wellness questions you’d like answered to brenda.blanco1@gmail.com. 

 

Slow Down...Dog

Slow Down…Dog

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What is everyone’s rush to get into the most advanced version of each yoga pose? I’m seeing this more and more in my classes… Even first time yoga students are taking an all level class and pushing themselves into binds and other progression poses.  They look around and think they have to compete with others taking the class, not realizing these other students have been practicing for much longer, are much younger or are athletes. They risk injury to prove to themselves that they are just as good, but yoga is not a competitive activity. Like any other situation in life, it is best for your physical, mental and emotional health that you take it slow…I understand that you want to be the best and push yourself, but give yourself this space and time to learn proper form and build the mental strength needed to truly excel in your practice and in life.

Savor your growth in each pose as you would savor each bite of your favorite chocolate dessert or each sip of your favorite glass of wine. As one of my favorite teachers, Jason Nemer, said, “if you move too fast, you will only get to the end more quickly.” What’s the fun in that?

Namaste,
GGY 😉

Email me your blog suggestions or wellness questions you’d like answered to brenda.blanco1@gmail.com.