YOGA does a body goooood.

Shamelessly borrowing the dairy association's tagline because it is WAAAAY more appropriate for yoga. For real. Yoga, is done, in some way, shape or form by all. Everything needs a good stretch now and again. Yoga just takes it to a whole other level. But I digress. And I actually enjoy a cold glass of milk every now and again (not milk hating by any means).

In February I passed my 1 year yoga-versary and it's been an incredible journey.

"Wheel you humor me and take a pic?" @Mt. Whitney waterfall

Things I learned:

• I am insanely flexible (move over Gumby)
• Pranayama steadies my nerves and allows me to deeply focus on the task at hand
• When I practice regularly I can attain balance - spiritually, emotionally and physically
• All those fancy schmancy asanas (poses) that seemed soooooo impossible - not so! they are definitely attainable and with practice you will be graceful
• That fear that everyone in class will judge me? Bollocks. In fact, public class is soothing. The encouragement is refreshing. The people are friendly. For years I psyched myself out and now I know how much i've missed out on
• Yoga is so much more than physical movement. It is a lifestyle. Sorry if that sounds cultish. We don't wear white jumpsuits and sneakers and there is no punch - although yoga pants are clearly an obsession for some

Point of this all is, if you haven't tried yoga, I highly recommend it. It's not just for tree-huggin hippies! And I say that in the kindest way possible :) And the best part is, you don't necessarily have to join a public studio - social media has brought the benefits of yoga into our homes. YouTube is full of videos of inspirational yogis so if you want to practice on your own, you can. Matter of fact - you can do yoga anywhere. No equipment needed beyond your body and your will.

Bustin my favorite - paschimottanasana on top of Mt. Whitney. Please excuse my dirty forrest feet.

If you're like I was and have trepidations about going to a public class before knowing foundations, I HIGHLY recommend Yoga with Adriene on youtube. Adriene is my spirit person, lol If that makes any sense. She's down to earth and explains how to get into poses with proper alignment thoroughly breaking it down so it's digestible. I started my yoga journey with Adriene and have since purchased her other videos at Find What Feels Good, including her 29 day REBOOT and EMPOWER power yoga programs.

Stalking the internet for yoga-spiration I also came across 1 Bad Yogi, Erin Motz who also has a month long series on youtube and an official site with longer sequences at Bad Yogi Official. You'll love Erin's style, trust me. 

I also developed a deep appreciation for Kino MacGregor (aka the "human pretzel") and her ashtanga videos which look to tap not into physical abilities solely but also seek spiritual balance. Listening to Kino speak you can't help but feel empowered. Kino's YouTube videos include foundations but also get into more advanced poses, which a) are awe inspiring and more importantly b) are attainable. FOR REAL. You can also purchase Kino's practice kit videos at Do You Yoga for 7+ hours of instruction via 21 videos. 

With practice, i've learned my mother was right - I can do just about anything...and you can too :) But even without busting out the impressive human tricks the benefits of yoga are clear. Practicing even what seem to be the most basic moves helps "ground" you - the breathing, the movement, the stretches, the calming of the mind - they all help you perform better, feel better and be better. And who doesn't want that?

Please check out my favorite ladies on YouTube and give them a follow on social media. I'll post some of my favorite videos in other posts.

La Isla bonita and moi being silly mermaids. Yes. Those ARE runts.

-Namaste