Work Hard, Play Hard

I was recently asked by one of my best friends "when is the last time you went dancing?"

And it struck me, because it's been FOREVER. Dancing, clubbing and partying used to be a weekly thing for me, my way to have fun, to play.  

This is the last time I went dancing :) 

My idea of "playing hard" is now completely opposite. I still love to laugh and have a good time. But I realize that I like a kinder, calmer way of having fun. Perhaps I am getting older, or lazier, and I really can't deal with hangovers. I want to be fully present in my classes, sleeping because I need rest, not to catch up on sleep. Nowadays, I prefer to go out to dinner with loved ones, bake goods for my roommates, read, exercise, wake up and go for a run, get massages and manicures, and save money for surfing trips. 

What "playing hard" means to you, it doesn't matter. What matters is that it needs to be done, all the time. Wether your idea of playing hard is clubbing and going out dancing, or meditating and cooking, it is important to make time for playing.  Not once a week, or twice, but as much as possible.  As long as you're doing things you love, without regrets, and things that keep you moving forward. Having fun is so important!  If it makes you happy, make time for it!!!! 

Love, 

P 

Happy Thursday!

Beginner's Series at Greenhouse Holistic

Beginner's Series at Greenhouse Holistic starts this Friday! If you've been wanting to try doing yoga, sign up!  

What else will you be doing on Fridays while we wait for Spring to come? 

In 4 weeks we will go through, standing postures, forward bends, backbends and the format of a yoga class. Contact me if you'd like to sign up! 

Have a great week! 

Xo,

Patricia 

I'm back!

It's been a magical week of surfing, and lots and lots of yoga and meditation. Such an amazing and fun group. 

We will definitely return next year. We made vida asana our home and I will miss it tremendously!  

I'm back to my regular schedule this week. Come see me I'm about 10 shades darker!

With love,  

P

Costa Rica!

We made it to Costa Rica! Today is the first complete day of the retreat. We started with meditation, a 90 minute class, delicious breakfast, and surfing. So blessed to be here! 

Almost everyone is partaking in surfing, we are going to Manuel Antonio reserve for some serious beach time on Wednesday, some of the crew went diving, hiking. It's been so good. I feel so blessed to be with such an amazing group. 

With love,

P 

Your Hands

Last week, I focused my classes on paying attention to the hands during asana and meditation.  

The Hamsa

 

The symbol of the hand has been used in so many lineages for countless purposes.  The prayer hands, the Hamsa (or evil eye), Buddhist and Hindu Mudras, for Chinese medicine (meridians in the palms), I could go on and on.  The usage of hands has been used to reflect spirituality and devotion throughout the centuries.  In modern day, we use our hands to communicate, to salute, to curse, to give, to energize to soothe.  Our hands are the gateway to who we are.  

When we like someone. we open our hands and arms warmly, when we are upset, we hold our hands tightly.  The same happens in our practice.  When we are at ease, we can barely feel the hands for they are grounded confidently, and they allow us to deepen the pose.  They open the chest, the heart, and allow us to strengthen the core.  Think about when the opposite is happening.  When we are stressing during our practice, the energy stays stuck in our hands.  Have you every had a practice in which you felt stuck in your shoulders and chest?  

Gyan Mudra, used to increase concentration and energy (vaayu)

Some tips to pay attention to your hands during class:

Hands:  Your hands are like little suction cups.  The center of your palm should be slightly lifted (energetically, your teacher shouldn't be able to see this) while the rest of the hand is comfortably grounded.  All fingers and knuckles should be spread as wide as they go, as if you were trying to grab sand from underneath you.  Pinky and thumb separate as far as possible, to create space in your palm.  Your wrists and palms should have as little weight on them as possible.  The wrist is a very fragile joint.  But your hands are a gateway to your strength.  Use them wisely and with full awareness. 

In your downward dogs: does your downward dog seem like it's restricting your chest and back?  Try switching the position of your hands slightly.  Instead of pointing your middle fingers directly to the front of the mat, try pointing them slightly outwards.  This may give you more freedom to your chest and the rotators in your shoulders.  

In your planks and other strengthening poses:  Use your arm, chest and core muscles to come OFF the wrist and palm. Press the floor away from you and let the energy travel upwards- towards the armpits and chest, into the belly- your powerhouse.  

  

Have a great week, and stay warm! 

Xo,

P 

New Year

Every year, on this day, we are reminded that at anytime, we have an opportunity to re-do our lives, choose a better path and give up what we no longer need. 

I have gathered my favorite New Year resolution articles from my favorite websites. Perhaps you can get ideas on where to start. 

1. 10 ways to stop treating yourself 

http://www.marcandangel.com/2013/12/29/10-ways-to-stop-treating-yourself/

2. 14 Ways to Make 14 miraculous 

http://gabbyb.tv/vlogging/14-ways-to-make-14-miraculous?inf_contact_key=35428f950a9d56e152854c4b675bf91b46e4a9eba5fcb763a5e37ef0b7afb5b2

3. Forget setting goals, focus on this instead.

 (After reading this, think of the systems as your intention, see if makes sense that way).

http://m.entrepreneur.com/article/230333

4. 20 things to let go of before the new year (I really like this one)

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-11973/20-things-to-let-go-of-before-the-new-year.html

Other ideas:

- Take a jar, and decorate it. Call it the gratitude jar, karma jar, whatever. Write something you're thankful for every day and put it in the jar. See how beautiful it looks in Summer. Give it as a gift next year. 

- Make a list of 14 things that make you happy. For example, traveling, laughing with friends, doing yoga. Post this list somewhere visible and do those things as often as possible! 

- Don't get stuck on the things you DIDNT do. For example, I was supposed to get my license. And stop eating refined sugar.  These were two of my goals. I didn't get it a license, and although I cut down on sugar a lot, I still eat the occasional donut from Peter Pan. No excuses for myself, full accountability. But I want a car next year, and I need a license. And I'm traveling like 4 times next year to surf, therefore I will get my license, and will stop the sugar. But no need to beat myself up about it. It's a waste of time. 

What are you going to do better 2014? What are the ways you make resolutions? Please share. 

I wish that everyone has an amazing 2014!!!!