yogi playtime

Since my friend Marilou and I showed up to the beach in almost identical swim suits, of course we had to take yogi pictures together! It felt like a play date with a childhood friend! I think playtime is so important especially as adults. Life can be stressful and overwhelming sometimes but we should always make time to play. Life is not as serious as we make it out to be. So grab a friend and play! 

handstands at the sandbar

This was an amazing spot for a little yoga and handstand session... it's a skinny strip of sand sticking out of the ocean and the waves come crashing towards each other! Wow!

nadi shodhana pranayama

This morning I began class with nadi shodhana pranayama, or alternate nostril breathing. Besides ujjayi, it's one of my favorite breath controls because it creates balance and helps still the mind for meditation. I love to practice this breath when I feel tired or a little congested, it makes me feel reawakened and refreshed, yet peaceful all at the same time. 

How to perform the breath:

1.  With your right hand, place your thumb on your right nostril at the bridge of the nose, your pointer and middle fingers can be placed at your third eye or curled in resting on your nose, your ring and pinky fingers on the left nostril at the bridge of the nose. 

2.  Closing the left nostril with the pinky, inhale through the right nostril, (pausing for the count of three).  

3.  Close the right nostril with the thumb, and exhale through the left, (pausing for a count of three). 

4.  Inhale through the left (pausing...). 

5.  Exhale though the right (pausing...). 

6.  Repeat the cycle (you'll be starting on the right again) for about 5-10 rounds. 

7.  Return to a natural breath and observe how your mind and body feel (no labels, no judgements, just observations). 

Now you're ready to meditate or dive into a vinyasa flow practice! 

Happy pranayama!