Thursday, March 29, 2012

Kristin Shepherd on Yoga

"Yoga has given me a completely reliable, delicious, and loving way home. 
It would be ridiculous to ask for more than that." - Kristin Shepherd

I agree completely.





Wednesday, March 28, 2012

More Movie Yoga - The Muppets

Walter in The Muppets movie got a merit badge in Yoga, instead of the usual Knots:



Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Ahnu Footwear - The Karma Review

I received an email a couple weeks ago with this shoe review offer and I was really really psyched. This is exactly the kind of shoe I've been waiting for - and just in time for spring. Ahnu is a socially and environmentally responsible company making fashionable shoes for active people. I love it.

The Karma: pictured in Plum. 

About the Company: Ahnu:
Gives Back to the Greater Good
Ethical supply chain standards
Use certified post-consumer recycled fibers in catalogs and packaging

About the Karma:
MSRP $90 with Free Shipping and Free Returns
Available in Black, Mood Indigo, Plum, and Garden Green.
Women's Sizes 6-11

"This active slip on offers style and comfort without compromising any aspect of yoga-chic. Made from soft, supple, full-grain leathers, these travel-friendly flats are made for all day wear, from running errands to traveling the world. The stretchy back heel provides a secure fit while making them easy to pack. The sculpted EVA footbed is wrapped in micro-fiber suede to offer a soft feel with every step." - Ahnu

EVA midsole, 4mm rubber skin, Microfiber sockliner with antimicrobial treatment
Numentum Technology
Comes with a 1-year Warranty

Even in thick grass - super stable.


When I first opened the box the scent was very very strong, but it was just the smell of rubber. These shoes have rubber soles and if yoga mats have taught me anything it's that rubber has a strong smell at first. The smell dissipates fairly quickly once you air them out a bit.

I love these shoes. They are attractive, comfortable, and the back is waaay more flexible than I'd expected.
They're lightweight, flexible, and cool. I've had some similar shoes before that everyone loved, but they made my feet sweat buckets so I couldn't stand them. I've encountered no such problems with these shoes. The whole shoe moves with your foot as you move. Unlike some shoes I've tried that were like walking on planks of wood.

This pic feels Peter Pan-esque.

One Small Issue: 
The front outer edge of the shoe (where the strap meets the front end) rubs leaving a red mark right behind my pinky toes. This is a common issue for me with shoes of this style, so I'm declaring it a non-issue and I am confident it will go away as I break in the leather more. I do have really thin feet though - so people with wide feet might want to try them on before purchasing them.

Overall:
I would recommend these shoes to just about anyone. They Rock!


Here's the rubber sole.

Monday, March 26, 2012

Caterpillar - Hoop Dance

I saw this video and I figured I just had to share it here. Some of it is yoga mixed in with the hoop dance which is of course right up my alley.

 

She is so talented and moves with such grace. I hope to one day be able to do this. Whereas right now I generally feel like my hoop-dancing looks something like this: 
(no matter how much Adam says it doesn't)

 

Readers via Email - Click Here for the Videos

Friday, March 23, 2012

Carpe Diem

It's the first weekend of spring, so go out and enjoy it!



photos via Pinterest

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Recycled Post: Tree Meditation

It's time for another Recycled Post! This is a Grounding Meditation that anyone can do. It's great for beginners, and you do it in a standing position. I love it, my students love it - it's popular. 

Become one with nature with this Tree Meditation.





All photos via Pinterest

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Rasa-Lila Fest Yoga Teacher Search

YogaStage is sponsoring a Yoga Teacher Search for Rasa-Lila Fest in Orlando, FL this October. They secured one teaching spot on the main stage for the person who wins this teacher search.

The grand prize winner will win a teaching slot on the main stage at the October 6th, 2012 Rasa-Lila Fest in Orlando event. The grand prize winner will also receive two nights hotel stay.
The five finalists with the most votes (and approved by Rasa-Lila Fest, LLC staff) will each receive a 1 year Premium membership to YogaStage valued at $119.00 each.


How To Enter:
You need an active YogaStage account to enter the contest
Get an account for 3 months FREE by using the promo code FREETHREE

After you create your profile, submit your YPK* to enter the contest.
Submissions are being accepted through Mar 31, 2012.
Voting will begin via Facebook beginning April 1, 2011.

More Info:
Yoga Teachers will judge and vote on entries via Facebook based on who they would like to see gracing the stage of Rasa-Lila Fest. Of the top five finalists with the most LIKE votes, Rasa-Lila Fest team will choose a grand prize winner based on yoga teaching skill, personality and suitability for Rasa-Lila Fest.
A runner-up will be selected in case the Winner cannot attend the event.

Voting begins 04/01/2012 at 9:00am and ends at 11:59:59 pm ET on 08/01/2012.
Limit one entry per yoga instructor for the entire Contest Period.
*YPK - Yoga Press Kit created on YogaStage.