YOGA // | Heart and Habit

My Super Power

yoga-namaste This practice, this time on my mat it’s just so much more than those two titles even give it credit, it’s apart of me, my day and my life. Next to motherhood, losing a loved one and wifehood (that should be a word) it has been the biggest source of self discovery of my entire life. Not just physically, but since we are on that topic the physical discovery has been full of WOAH (eyes popping out, I CAN’T BELIEVE I CAN DO THAT, type Woah) moments. But I’m talking about the inside, feeeeelings and thoughts (the cheesier) type of self discovery.

For me, there is no bigger reset then a good (heck even a bad, but there really isn’t such a thing) yoga practice. I could have had an argument with Chris before going to a class, a conversation where I’m super stuck (stubborn) on my points and super foggy (totally blind) when I try to see his side, but after class? All of a sudden I am like the most understanding, kind and compassionate version of myself, like ever. I see his side and mine and most importantly the middle, I’m easily able to swallow my pride and properly fix an issue (or my issue, usually it’s my issue). Literally the very best version of myself is in those first couple hours after I finish practicing. Yoga is my super power, actually yoga is my power up to my super power.

As a Mom, after a really hard day with the kids (yesterday categorizes under this heading) I always say to myself “tomorrow will be better” and it’s true, tomorrow always is better. Actually the moment the kids fall asleep everything is instantly better, because I go over the day in my head and realize all the places I could have been better — and then I miss them. Yoga does a similar yet even bigger reset for me. It’s so much bigger, that the “tomorrow” reset falls second to the yoga reset, if you can imagine that?

camel Being naturally anxious, working for myself, managing a house, being a wife, Mom, friend and just an all around human being I need moments for me. But not just moments where I put my feet up with a glass of wine and watch some trashy tv (I need those too), but moments where I can lose myself, my ego and come out the other side as a slightly better version of myself. Even if that better version only sticks around for a couple of hours. I just need to know she is there on a consistent basis, and I’m sure my family does too.
Deep thoughts for a Friday, hey? Also please notice I didn’t say, eh — if I had you would have had full permission to make fun of me.

What is your ultimate reset? Do you have something you do for yourself that makes you feel like the very best version of yourself? What is your “tomorrow will be better” moment/thing? Do you have something that gives you a “super power”?

Filed Under: Daily, THE PERFECT’S, YOGA

The Perfect: Hot Yoga Attire

The Perfect: Hot Yoga Attire A simple but perfect little round-up of the items I swear by when it comes to a hot yoga class. It took me a while to figure out what worked and then what worked really well. I still remember that very first Moksha class I took, I had NO idea what to wear plus the teacher sang at the end, awkward moments like those help me to remember moments forever.
So if you were like me and you want to try a hot class, but you have no idea what you should wear — here try this! Or if you have been going to hot classes and you want to get some stuff that will help you go even more/love it — here you go!

1. A TANK TOP WITH SUPPORT

Go for a tank with support over layers, the less fuss and muss the better. And support, even if your ladies are small is always a good idea. And hey, if you really dig layers and think a single tank top is a terrible idea, try a sports bra and fitted tank combo like this and this. *fitted tanks are good, less flipping up and flowing around when you are moving — aka less revealing when you are actually in class.
Try you best to go for a tank that also has moisture wicking, unless you’re a unicorn and you don’t sweat at all, you are going to sweat. You don’t want your tank soaking up all that sweat and weighing 25 lbs at the end of class.
My favorite tanks are the Power Y and Yeah Yoga tanks, simple and no fuss.
I also really love a sports bra as a tank, but I can already feel your eye rolls so I didn’t add that as a “perfect” item. BUT if you’re into bras as tops, for yoga, I am loving these: all you need bra, straight up bra and energy bra.

2. A REALLY GREAT WATER BOTTLE

But most importantly just something to keep your water in and right beside you. Whatever you prefer for water holding will do, but since we are talking about “perfects” here…
A water bottle that will keep your water cold the entire hot class long is the bee’s knees. S’well bottle’s are my personal favorite for keeping things cold or hot for a full 24 hours.
This wood one is so pretty. It’s a woody! — okay that instantly takes all the pretty away

3. A SUPER ABSORBING TOWEL

Super because it looks great and it’s not slippery. Some towels are slippery and then they just defeat the entire purpose, big fluffy bathroom towels aren’t the most yoga friendly.
A towel that has an added moisture wicking benefit is eyes-popping-out-of-my-head, amazing. Okay, not that amazing. But practice changing amazing, just lay it down and forget about it. And forget about slipping on your own sweat, because that might happen without a towel but not with one of these towels.
The yogitoes towels are my favorite, not slippery and they have grippy beads to make sure your towel doesn’t slip on your mat.

4. BREATHABLE CAPRIS

Unless you’re really into shorts? But for hot yoga, I’d say try capris! I did the shorts thing for a while in hot yoga and sure my legs were a bit more airy but man were they also slippery with sweat.
Capris are a good middle ground, slightly airy but still covered to avoid being all slippy.
A great capri that has moisture wicking and is breathable will be your best friend, fitted or not it all depends on your style.
I love the wunder under crop (favorite all around yoga bottom), in the flow crop and I’ve been eyeing the hot to street crop.

5. WAIT, WHAT DO I NEED THAT STRAP FOR?

This is more of a carrying mat strap rather than, a strap. Though yoga straps are great, they just aren’t apart of your attire.
Since this is hot yoga we are talking about, a mat strap is a great mat carrying option since it let’s your mat breathe a little. And even though it can’t talk, it want’s to breathe.
Mat bags are great, but people tend to leave their mat in the bag after classes and then things just get stinky real quick.
Go for the strap, this one is great.

6. GET YOURSELF A MAT

Okay, I find mats are super subjective. What I love, might not be what you love. Because what I need in a mat might not be what you need, make sense? I have had the pleasure to try a few different brands and like many of them for all different reasons. But my go to all around favorite is my Jade.
A mat that is grippy and non slippery with a light dripping of sweat (if you sweat a lot this is where the towel comes in) will make yoga, (the just starting out parts or just getting really into it parts) so much better.
A great mat is a game changer, so don’t buy the cheap ones you see in stores — this is one case where they are cheap for a reason. Save your pennies and buy a good one!
Again, my favorite is my Jade Harmony, in case you forgot already.

a quick note: If you are heading to your first ever class, don’t go out buying all this stuff. Just do your best to find things that sorta fit the bill, that are already in your closet — and see if you can rent a mat and towel (or use an older maybe a little rougher beach towel from home) from the studio. Then if or when you fall totally in love with hot yoga, come back to this list.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: How To Wash Your Hot Yoga Clothes (so they don’t stink) + Hot Yoga Tips And Advice For Newbies + Let’s Talk Yoga

Filed Under: Daily, YOGA

The Big List of Yoga at Home Resources

People ask pretty often what my favorite home yoga options are, and I really stink at giving great answers – sorry guys. So I decided to take some time and do my research so my answer wouldn’t stink so much. I personally use the same home resources over and over and over, I don’t branch out much. This whole “research” exercise was good, I found a bunch of great new options and still have a few more to try (those are the ones with little to no review) – it’s good to try new things and change things up.
Here is a great list, now you guys change things up – go ahead give it a try!

metallic mat: c/o Manduka – strap: c/o Manduka – towel: c/o Manduka

Filed Under: ADVICE AND INFO, Daily, YOGA

WASH YOUR WORKOUT CLOTHES

Hey guys, let’s talk about our dirty laundry – I mean since we talk about everything else, might as well! When it comes to regular everyday mountains of dirty laundry, good old laundry detergent works just dandy. But for some loads it just doesn’t always cut it. Those clothes that you sweat and work really hard in, regular and even homemade detergent just doesn’t always cut the sweat out – if you know what I mean? Sure you can buy special “sport” or “athletic” wash (which just don’t sound pretty, at all) but really, that’s another expense and working out/being healthy is expensive enough.

What I like to use when I do a load of all my dirty yoga clothes, yoga towels, and now that Chris started going to Goodlife, all his hard-working workout clothes, is pour some basic white vinegar in with the laundry detergent. I usually wing it, pour 1/4 – 1/2 cup (probably more cause I’m a heavy pour-er) and everything comes out smelling fresh as daisies, with zero vinegar smell whatsoever. Some people like to do an extra run through using baking soda, but in my opinion just the plain white vinegar mixed with laundry detergent works great not need for another wash cycle.

*this also works well for kids clothes that need some extra clean smelling love (and probably really well for stinky teenager clothes) and it’s genius on bath towels that maybe sat wet for too long (oh don’t be silly, you know the kind I’m talking about).

What do you usually use when washing your workout clothes? Tell me your dirty laundry trick I told you mine.

Filed Under: Daily, HEALTH AND WELLNESS, YOGA

How Yoga Made Me A Better Human Being

Every time I think it can’t get any better, it does. Stronger, calmer, more content, more in tune with my own body. The laundry list of ways yoga has improved my life, literally goes on and on. When I think, I usually think out loud. And the closest person to me is Chris, so I usually talk his ear right off. Half the time I’m messily talking about my dreams and goals (that usually make no sense to anyone except me, because they are a mess of thoughts) or I’m annoyingly talking about yoga (I assume it gets annoying).

Every few months I feel I hit a new realization with my practice usually a “holy crap, I didn’t know I could do that!?” or a “wow, I don’t think I would have handled that situation like that before yoga”. Lately I’ve been going through a ton of both and I realized that in general, yoga has made me a better human being. Both inside and out, but since the insides are truly what matter most I thought I’d talk everyone’s ear off a little about some of the realizations I’ve come to lately.

FOCUS ON MYSELF.

In class, I’m in my own head focusing on my breath and my body. Half the time I’m transitioning and moving into postures with my eyes closed, to stay focused on myself and feel the breath in my body. It’s been carrying over into life, caring even less about what others are doing (because it’s not about me) and keeping my focus onto myself. Except for my kids and husband, but they are an extension of myself, at least in this instance.

SELF COMPASSION.

Yoga has taught me to be kind to myself and my body. I still beat myself up better than anyone else on earth ever could, but it really has helped that negative self talk ease up even just a little. Which translates into being more compassionate to others, but for some reason that comes much easier than being kind to ourselves.

NOT TAKE THINGS PERSONALLY.

Because it’s not about me, unless it’s about me.

ENJOY THE JOURNEY.

Once I realized that the practice isn’t just about the postures, it’s about everything that happens before, after and all those beautiful in-betweens. It spilled over into life, I try much harder to enjoy the transitions, the travel to and froms. Rather then gunning for the destination and missing all those tiny in-between moments.

BREATHE THROUGH THE UNCOMFORTABLE.

My yoga breath, is probably the most impactful skill I have learnt. For someone who is naturally anxious, it has helped take me through a difficult muscle burning posture, and now through a difficult public kiddo tantrum. Sure it doesn’t make uncomfortable or hard situations go away, but it really helps to get thorough them more calmly and keeps adult tantrums at bay…even just a little.

TEACH ME TO TRY NEW THINGS.

Going to yoga for the first time ever was way outside of my comfort zone, and most everything that came afterwards has also been. Maybe it’s because I’m a bit more self-aware because of the practice, or more compassionate to myself – but trying new things isn’t quite as scary as it was prior to yoga. Public speaking? I’m pretty sure that’ll still make me pee my pants.

LISTEN TO MY BODY.

I’ve learned that everyday is different and some days my body just says no to something, so I’ve learnt not to push it. Same goes for life, if I’m hungry I don’t keep going to a point in the task where I feel comfortable to stop, now I just stop and eat. Things are much better, and more productive when I listen to what my body needs, instead of telling my body what I need from it.

KICK AWAY SOME EGO.

I should say learning, but yoga sure has taught me a lot about kicking my ego aside. Mostly it’s humbled me in so many ways, which has helped to beat down my ego even a little.

I have a feeling that someone who is a runner, or maybe a barre enthusiast has found similar things spilling over from their class/practice/run into their day-to-day lives. Has anyone found that a of those things make you, just an all around better you?

And to lighten things up a little, let’s talk about these yoga pants I’m wearing. They are my Dear Kate #nothingunder yoga pants. Built specifically so that the wearer can go commando while wearing them. Because who likes to wear underwear while practicing yoga? Only crazy people. I haven’t worn them into the hot room yet, I don’t think I will. I think the ‘extra’ coverage around my under lady parts (the part that makes them commando friendly) would make the pants too hot for the hot room, what an oxymoron that sentence is. But I will try one day soon and probably report back! So far I really dig them, but I mean what’s not to love about a great pair of yoga pants that aren’t see thru, and are built to go sans underwear!

Filed Under: Daily, Dear Diary, REAL LIFE, YOGA

ALL TO MYSELF

I get asked the question a lot and I know its because I went from 60 to 0 on the social sharing scale lately. Yes, I do still practice yoga and yes I literally (I know, that word has lost all it’s meaning lately) practice every single day. I am 100% addicted to it, it has grown to be such a huge part of me and my daily life that my day just does not feel right or complete without it (that’s the short answer, but I feel it’s gonna get a bit longer winded). I finished a 30 day yoga challenge at the studio, a few weeks ago (31 classes within a 30 day stretch – I eye roll at my self for being such a keener too, it’s ok), and it totally changed the way I feel about my practice (I’m trying to work on a post about how it changed me, but without all the touchy “feelings“).

I’ve reached this point where, this practice is so apart of my daily life that when I miss a day I feel like I didn’t sleep, or eat or something else that’s important to sustaining human life (dramatic, maybe a little). Like it’s very possible that it just might fit next to ‘shelter’ on my basic humans needs list. Or if I were asked the question “what would you bring to a deserted island?” I’d probably say my mat, no lies. I crawl out of bed to make that 6:30 am class every week day and then early on the weekends because I absolutely love it and because I need it, I’m like a coffee addict who gets a headache when she doesn’t get that fix of caffeine but instead of coffee it’s my daily yoga practice that puts be back where I need to be.

We live in the age where sharing is apart of doing. Where it’s not just about what you know or do, it’s about what you share. Along with my practice (which is mostly a sweaty hot practice, see photo above) becoming so ingrained and important to me and my everyday, it’s become this thing that feels much more personal and much harder to post and share nonchalantly about. I don’t know if that makes sense? I plan to still share whenever it feels natural, I actually love talking about it to anyone who is willing to listen – but sometimes (more specifically, just these days) shouting out about all the things just doesn’t feel right to me.

For me, my practice has become like one of those things we love with every part of our being (like families, babies and partners- but not as much as the love we have for them) and sometimes you want to keep those things you love with every part of your being, just to yourself to love and enjoy. To shelter those moments and hoard them all to yourself. Sometimes holding memories, moments and things all to yourself is better than sharing, sometimes it feels like it makes them even bigger and better when they are just for you, like you have this giant lovely secret that no one else knows about.

That’s the long end of how I feel about my practice and of course my heart filling family (I had a feeling it was gonna get long and winded) sometimes yelling about every moment makes them feel bigger and better, but for me in this moment this is what comes natural.

*Ha! Two posts in a row with my feet, I promise this isn’t a theme – total and complete accident, scouts honor!

Heart and Habit

My Super Power