Yogi Gift Guide 2011 - Part 1

Now that Thanksgiving is behind us and the big gift-giving holidays are just over the next hill I know that some of you may be wondering what to buy for the yoginis in your life. Here I begin my list of love for all your favorite yogis. Expect 2 more days of these with a total of 48 gift ideas.

Check out old guides too. I'm trying to avoid redundancy. Those gifts are not out of style.

2010 Yogi Gift Guides: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.
2012 Yogi Gift Guides: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.

Source: http://www.perbreiehagen.com

Moms/Moms To Be/Kids:
For the mom that takes care of herself and her brood - because it's a full time job.

Shiva Rea Prenatal DVD $16 - Great word of mouth and a 70 minute run-time make this DVD my go-to suggestion.

Yoga Kids 3 DVD pack $39 - For Ages 3-6. Share yoga with children through play.

Kid Sized Yoga Mat $18 - Child sized and eco friendly to include the kids, but not the toxic chemicals.

Unlimited Class Card $Varies$ - You can get these at most yoga studios for anywhere from 1 week to 1 year. Another option is a class card for a certain number of classes... say 10. Just be aware of when it expires and if you need to purchase it at the last second so they get the most out of it. Check with the recipient's local studio for more specific details.

Title Nine Amelia Longsleeve Dress $76 - Comfy, wintery, and works for an active lifestyle. It's certainly on my personal christmas list.

Yogawoman DVD $25 - This documentary celebrates the effect of yoga on women and women in yoga.

Organic Sesame Oil $6+ - In case she's not familiar with the ayurvedic daily regimen of abhyanga in winter, you can include a nice set of printed or hand-written instructions. Sesame oil can be found at just about any natural foods store or online. She may need to make time for this warm-oil self massage, but it's worth it.

Source: http://www.yogalifestyle.com/Pchakra.htm

Teens:

They've got plenty of drama to worry about, are trying to finish growing up way too fast, and they're really branching out with expressing their individuality. Embrace it.

Skunk Mittens $22 - Made of recycled cotton and also available in mink, fox, raccoon, and reindeer if you wander around the site a bit. Unique and functional!

No More Dirty Looks $2+ - Paperback or Kindle. Perfect for learning more about what we put on our bodies and how to find clean safe alternatives. It may seem at first glance like it's purely for girls, but boys use things like shampoo and body wash too.

Trevor Hall CD $7+ - I'm a big fan of the "Trevor Hall" CD, but all his music is lovely and fun.

Posters $5+ - Lots of variety here. Deities, Anusara syllabus, the Dharma Mittra poster, mandalas, etc. My favorite is this colorful Chakra poster.

Round Silk Zafu Meditation Cushion $40 - There's a lot of stress in the life of a teenager, but a regular meditation practice on this luxurious adjustable cushion will help him/her keep a level head.

Source: http://www.energymuse.com/store/bracelets-1/power-mens.html

Dudes:

New guys and advanced practitioners alike could use these.

The Mirror of Yoga $9+ - This book by Richard Freeman is available in hardcover, paperback, or Kindle. Recommended by the likes of Bhakti yoga teacher Rusty Wells for accessibility and humor.

Be Present Budokon Pants $69 - These pants are comfortable, stylish, and manly.

Burt’s Bees Muscle Mend $7 - I've heard nothing but good things about this sore muscle balm, and at only $7 every guy should have some.

Energy Muse Power Bracelet for Men $70 - This vegan bracelet is all about tapping into the energy of one's own inner power and bringing it out into the world.

Anjali Nataraj Eco-Heather Tee $39 - This Shiva Nataraj tee is simply amazing and available in 3 colors. 

Make a Feast Out of It

"Show up however you are, as raw and honest and vulnerable with all the thick forest of emotions and thoughts that come into it, lay it on the table and we will make a feast out of it." - Sianna Sherman 

Photo and Quote Source: Shakti Sunfire

Too High a Spirit

Energy Muse Winner & Gratitude

Congratulations to Rachel!

You Win the beautiful compassion bracelet from Energy Muse!

I'll be contacting you shortly.

Thanks to everyone who entered and spread the word about the giveaway.

In celebration of tomorrows Thanksgiving Holiday here in the states - I'm taking a long weekend to spend some real time with my husband and dog. I'll return on Monday the 28th. For now I leave you with some words on gratitude from the always-inspiring Elena Brower (via the Wanderlust Newsletter):


"Gratitude is a state of being. When I’m in the state of gratitude, I’m in my heart, I’m focused, I’m open, and ready for everything. I’m able to give so much more of my listening and my attention, and I feel heard and received. When I’m grateful, I feel connected to myself, my kid and especially my parents. Plus Dr. Emoto has proven that the sentiments of Gratitude and Love together create the most symmetrical and beautiful water molecules(!). Consistent levels of gratitude might be my proudest feat this year."

- Elena Brower

Home Is...

It's the Final Day to Enter to Win a compassion bracelet from Energy Muse!

Enter for yourself, someone in the family you were born into, or even

someone in the family you chose.

Where Are You Going?

"You got to be careful if you don't know where you're going, because you might not get there."

-Yogi Berra

I spent a large chunk of this weekend in stores with incredible piles of people. Tons of people dutifully consuming... unless they're just milling about like zombies. I saw a lot of that too. I get the feeling that few of these people are practicing presence. I don't think many of them are on any particular path or maybe even aware of their life. Many of them are just going through the motions and existing. I hope I'm not doing that.

I've been trying to make christmas lists for people, buy gifts, practice yoga, figure out when/how I'm going to visit my mom one of these days... and yet I'm trying to give Thanksgiving it's time. Right now that's where I should be going. Yet my path has kind of skipped it, so I need to circle back around and make sure I get to Thanksgiving. I don't want to miss it. It's not often that gratitude is in season.

Chocolate Cake in a Mug!

It's been pretty cold around here lately, so I've been craving warm chocolatey things. I felt my readers needed to know about this spectacularly easy quick recipe. I don't keep snack foods around the house 90% of the time, so these are my go-to snacks these days. They're so easy to make that I probably have them too often.

Recipe and Photo from mLee*s Flickr Page

Need a chocolate fix? Have an individual chocolate cake in 5 minutes.

4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
pinch of baking soda
(optional but it helps)
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
a small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well. Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.
Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 2-3 minutes at 1000 watts. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed! When it starts to fall stop the microwave and take it out. Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.

Finally - Don't Forget to Enter the Energy Muse Giveaway before Nov 22nd!

Start Now

The Kaivalya Yoga Method

I received a newsletter last week from Alanna Kaivalya announcing the birth of Kaivalya Yoga. It's not very often you get to witness the beginning of a yoga method.

Alanna is one of my favorite teachers. Perhaps you've read her book, or heard her music. She does not come from Anusara, but from the school of Jivamukti. I've taken a few of her classes and they are always divine.  She occasionally returns home to Denver, CO and teaches at the yoga studio where I got my certification. This is where I was lucky enough to experience her teaching even though she now lives in New York.

For more information about this new method, and to learn how to Apply for the first ever Kaivalya Yoga Method Teacher Training - Visit the Website!

About her decision she says:
"After more than 10 years of study and teaching, after leading, writing and contributing to teacher trainings across the globe since 2004, it is finally time (as Frank Sinatra would sing) to do it my way."

From the KYM Website:
The Kaivalya Yoga Method focuses on the whole person and seeks to unite all aspects of one’s being through specific yogic techniques including skilled hands-on adjustments, intelligently sequenced vinyasa, sanskrit chanting and mantra, meditation and a continuous focus on the highest aim of yoga – freedom and happiness.
This Method is a technique for creating the condition for the state of yoga to arise naturally, as it is already inbuilt and yogic practices lay the groundwork for this realization of yoga to occur. As the name indicates, The Kaivalya Yoga Method is a means for liberating oneself from any ideas of disintegration or disunity. In short, it is a method for realizing happiness, but in a modern-day context. Without dogma. Without hierarchy. With generosity, authenticity and elegant simplicity.

Congratulations to Alanna for taking the leap!

And don't forget to enter the Giveaway for a Compassion Bracelet from Energy Muse!

B.K.S. Iyengar on Asana

"The moment you lose the feeling in the skin, the asana becomes dull, and

the flow or current of the intelligence is lost."

*   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *

"The brain may instruct the body to do a posture, but the heart has to feel it too."

Energy Muse Jewelry - Review & Giveaway

You may have seen Energy Muse ads and jewelry around. They're leaders in Wearable Crystal Energy, produced in the USA, and available worldwide. They're regularly featured in magazines and worn by tons of celebrities like Kate Hudson, David Beckham, and Michael Franti to name a few. Recently they contacted me about doing a review/giveaway of their Compassion Bracelet and I was thrilled to be given the chance.

Photo courtesy of Energy Muse. MSRP: $69.99

Energy Muse Compassion Bracelet Description:
"This bracelet is worn to allow yourself to achieve Compassion. Compassion is the purest love, which gives yet asks for nothing in return. It is the ultimate and most meaningful embodiment of love that one can achieve. It is through Compassion that one attains the ability to reach deep inside oneself to achieve self-fulfillment. Citrine promotes joy, love, and light. It repels and transforms negative energy, making it possible to achieve happiness. It lifts the soul, bestowing courage, personal power, and selfconfidence. Scene Jasper encourages a connection with one’s true self. It inspires and energizes the entire body. Pink Jade inspires happiness and openness, helping one realize their dreams and accomplish their purpose in life. As you discover yourself, you realize that your happiness grows immensely when the fulfillment of Compassion is achieved. The Rudraksha beads along the bracelet are natural seeds that emit positive vibrations. The colored cord is 100% Silk."

I love this fantastic colorful bracelet - and Energy Muse has been kind enough to provide another compassion bracelet for one lucky reader!

Fit/Size: Dare I say the compassion bracelet fits me perfectly? At 7.5" it may be a little small for larger wrists, but for most women and small guys it should work.
Comfort: This bracelet just oozes comfort. It never got in the way, and at times it didn't even feel like I was wearing it. With most bracelets I usually fight with them all day or get them caught on things, but this one wasn't obnoxious at all. Zero irritation.
Quality: Really solid construction. A lot of beaded jewelry tends to feel flimsy, but this hardy piece feels like I could possibly play tug'o'war with it. Even the clasp is hefty. I am confident it will last through consistent enthusiastic wear for years.
Overall: I feel I could wear this bracelet anywhere. To a "fancy" party, a coffee shop, or even to yoga class. It goes with every single outfit I've worn with it so far. The compassion bracelet has a gradient of yellow/orange/pink and is just dripping with Joy. I would definitely recommend purchasing this bracelet or other Energy Muse products to anyone. This bracelet is everything I thought it would be. It's my new favorite bracelet (and I have a lot of them). We could all use more compassion, and there's even a matching necklace that I'm drooling over.

Maybe you want it for yourself - a little treat to remind you to cultivate compassion with every breath... or think it would make a great gift (holiday season is here) for your mom, sister, girlfriend, best friend, yoga teacher, etc. If this particular bracelet doesn't suit you - be sure and check out the website for tons of different products for all genders, styles, and budgets.

How to Enter to Win:

Do at least one of the 3 things listed below.
Leave a separate comment on this post for each of the 3 entry methods you do.

• Like Energy Muse on Facebook
• Tweet this Giveaway (include @energymuse and @heartsexpanding)
• Blog this Giveaway

Who's Eligible? Everyone!
Deadline: November 22nd, midnight GMT
Winner Announced via random number: November 23rd
Make sure there's a way for me to contact you in your comments, or
I'll have to give your prize to the cat.

Shifting with the Seasons

I can barely believe it's almost halfway through November. The deciduous trees are shedding leaves and letting the evergreens have the limelight for a while. The wind is faster and colder. Occasionally we're even getting snow here in the northern hemisphere.

I've made it no secret that I'm not a fan of the cold. Now it's time for me to hibernate like a small bear and I'll gladly do so. Wrapped in a blanket with a cup of hot tea all I can think about is turning on the fireplace one of these days. I've never lived somewhere with a fireplace before and the whole idea is charming.

I've been sick so I haven't really had an asana practice recently. I read somewhere that someone "heard" that every single day that you don't practice you lose a weeks worth of progress. I really hope that's not true because if it is I'm doomed.

In the spirit of the season slow down your practice today and quietly turn inside. Shed your leaves and let your bones rest for a bit. Take great care and nurture yourself maybe for the entire weekend. Moisturize and warm your skin, make your muscles supple, get sufficient sleep, and slow your monkey mind so you are better prepared for the cool weather and stressful holiday season that is coming.

Here at Hearts Expanding I've got some great stuff coming up. Giveaways, gift guides, book reviews and more! Stay tuned and take care of yourselves.

Meghan Currie Inspires - (Video)

I came across this fabulous video of a timelapse practice by Meghan Currie (Wandering Yogini and yoga teacher). You should totally check out her happy artsy website complete with blog.

This video features a lovely inspiring practice that made me want to get up and do yoga immediately. Some of it looks a little funny because of the fast timelapse nature of the video, but overall it looks like a graceful dance. I have to note that not only does she pull out some really nice tricks, but she does it all without a mat.

Readers via Email - Click Here for the Video.

What You're Made Of

Be humble, for you are made of earth. Be noble, for you are made of stars. - Serbian Proverb

photo source: fuckyeahyoga

John Friend Collection from Manduka

A few different videos have been making the rounds lately announcing that Anusara and Manduka have partnered up to create a new collection of yoga mats and accessories. This is my favorite of the videos.

I may just have to buy the John Friend Collection eKO SuperLite® Travel Mat because I love purple and I don't own a single travel mat. My primary mat is like 7 pounds (heavy for toting around), whereas the superlite is only 2.5 pounds and easily folds up for packing.

Readers via Email - Click Here for the Video.

Keeping Anxiety in Check

Many of us living people deal with anxiety.  I definitely deal with anxiety all the time (a certain degree of it is normal and healthy after all). I wouldn't say I suffer from it or anything, but it's around. I find that my yoga and meditation practice helps me to keep it from getting out of hand. If you don't have a regular yoga practice you might wonder how that idea is supposed to work.

Well, meditation trains the mind to be more still, more quiet, and in general to focus not on what-ifs but on the moment as it truly is. Even if there's a lot going on outside of myself, I can take respite internally where there's always some peace keeping a level head.

What your parents think when you don't answer your phone.

The asana practice helps too, but it's not quite as obvious how it works. Even if I explain it... if you've never done it - it's all just hearsay. I'll do my best. When I'm in a pose I don't just find a boring middle point and hang out... and I don't power through into the next thing. No, I find a spot where there's a mild discomfort and I sit with it for a bit. It's not serious pain or anything I can't handle. It's comfortable enough that if I focus on my breath then I might not even notice. This is the edge where I sit. Right on the line between "this sucks" and "I love this pose". Now what does this have to do with anxiety and stress? Well if I'm practicing finding this subtle place where it's almost uncomfortable then I learn to see that this spot is not a big deal. I learn my personal boundaries where I can weather the storm and where it's a serious problem.

Later when I'm not on my mat I can start to see when I'm worrying about nothing (because how many of my worries actually happen?) and when it truly is a problem. If I can recognize the non-issues sooner than I waste a lot less time and energy being anxious and I can spend a lot more time enjoying life.

Just Stop

This is totally how I feel as a yoga teacher with my students. Seriously. When I say at the beginning of class that you can stop and rest or opt out of any part of class - I mean it.

Effortless Practice

 

The thing is we have to bring some element of joy & fun to our practice so it becomes effortless. - Panditji

This is far from effortless - just sayin'