Happy Spring Yoga Birds! Just dropping-in to tell you a quick story and to cheer, “GoYou!” I began teaching exercise classes when I was 23 but only started to practice yoga, when I was 45 years young! I was coaching high school track and field at the time and I knew it would be good preventive medicine for my athletes. I loved it and haven’t looked back. Now . . . I practice yoga basically because I love life and my family so much. I want to be able to move and do things with them for as long as I can. It’s as lovely and as simple as that. Yoga helps keep you feeling younger. Yoga Bird is designed for women ages 40 and up, who are “average birds” like you and me. Yoga Bird classes give us a good range of motion, so we can do important things like plant flowers in our gardens and dance at our friend’s wedding. YB classes build strength in our muscles and bones, so we can carry two children (or grandchildren) at the same time and go hiking in the AZ mountains! YB meditations keep us present and centered in our spirits, in our bodies and in our moments. YB is for overall health, enhancing our relationships and for all the “simple things” that we love to do. So . . . take this as an encouragement for you to keep your two or three times a week practice, going! Yes! That is enough for you to have benefits. Throw in a nice walk (with your cute dog) once or twice a week and you’ve got a cross-training program that works! It’s totally doable!
I do something like this:
Sunday – long walk or bike ride with my hubby @steventhepirate
Tuesday – (I teach a LIVE one hour class.) You could do the 40 min. “Happiness Boost” class.
Thursday – Do the “Align My Spine” practice or if you’re having an intense week, try the “Restorative Yoga” with Sami Lynn. ( I teach LIVE and practice there.)
Friday or Sat. Take another walk or do the 40 min. “Yoga Flow”
*I also like to treat myself to at least one night of the “Bedtime Yoga Sequence.” #Beyourownbird and do what works for you!
Drop a note to the Yoga Bird community on Facebook or Instagram @yogabirdco and tell us the simple things, in your life, that you love!
Having a picnic with @StevenThePirate on the summit of Mt. Tritle in Prescott, AZ4th of July parade with Steven and the grands! 😀 April 27, 2018Leave a comment
All of us have areas in our lives where we would love to add better habits. A consistent yoga and meditation practice can lead you on a path of greater health—mind, body, and spirit. Whether you’re looking to reduce anxiety or to increase strength and flexibility, a few steps can help you achieve your goals.
Are you prepared to take the 28 Day Challenge? Join us on Facebook.
*Make a Decision – We aren’t going to accidentally fall into healthier habits. We need to decide what we want for ourselves and make a commitment to incorporate that vision into our daily lives. If you’re looking to add a consistent yoga practice, you can take the first step by signing up for a class or subscribing to Yoga Bird online.
*Have a Plan – Set yourself up for success by coming up with a time and place for your new habit. The more consistent and concrete you can make your plan, the better your chance of sticking to it. Try to do your yoga practice at the same time each day and designate a place for it, even if it’s just a corner in your home. Schedule it on your calendar and keep it a priority. Yoga Bird has a yoga and meditation schedule that lays out a daily plan for 28 days. Does it look like too much for you? Then, start small. Choose three days a week. No matter where you are on your journey, now is the time to start.
*Envision Success – Being able to visualize yourself reaching your goal can help you add a new positive habit in your life. Take time to envision how the habit would improve your future. Also think about issues that might keep you from your healthy habit. This way you’ll be prepared to avoid the things that could stand in your way. Try journaling about it or take a few minutes before bed to envision what the next day will look like.
*Don’t Give Up – You’ll encounter difficult times—days when you’d rather stay on the couch or watch TV. Just remember why you’re trying to form a new habit and think about your goals for yourself. You can do this!
Written by guest blogger and new Yoga Bird, Julie Jarnagin
(Part 1)
I’m so excited and feel blessed to be here. When I discovered Yoga Bird a few months ago, I told Joyce that I would love to share about my journey as a new Yoga Bird.
A little about me: I’m 35-years-old. I live in Oklahoma with my husband, two wonderful active boys who are seven and almost two. I’m an author; I write sweet and inspirational romance novels. And I work full time for a local homebuilder.
My yoga background: I’ve been interested in yoga for many years. The pace of it and the focus on not just the body, but the mind and the spirit, have always been appealing to me. However, I never found classes that fit my schedule or aligned with my values like Yoga Bird does.
Taking time away from my family is something I don’t take lightly. So before subscribing to Yoga Bird, I looked at the “why” behind the decision. For me it was:
* Being healthier and calmer makes me a better wife and a better mother to my boys.
* It’s a way to take care of my body that I actually enjoy—not dread.
* It slows me down in the midst of my busy life and schedule.
I’m so thankful that God led me here, and I’m excited about what’s to come.
Tell me about you? What brings you here? What draws you to yoga and/or Christian meditation?
