Yoga Retreat Essentials with Kathryn Budig

October 5, 2015 By Leave a Comment

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Headed to a yoga retreat this fall?

Our fave yogini, Kathryn Budig shares her top 10 must-haves for your next adventure:

1. RMS Beauty + Ilia lip gloss, Vapour Beauty Aura Multi-Use Blush. Gorgeous organic, cruelty-free make-up.

2. Peppermint + Lavender essential oils (I love Doterra). Great for a pick-me-up or calm-me-down.

3. Quay Sunglasses from Australia… they’re so chic even when I’m a sweaty mess.

4. Digest Gold digestive enzymes from Enzymedica. Especially helpful when I’m on the road.

5. Oblas inhaler. Helps my allergies and feels great.

6. See Concept reading glasses. Stylish and flexible.Screen-Shot-2015-09-08-at-2.27.48-PM-827x1024

7. My iPhone 6+. I’d be lost without it.

8. A book. Currently reading Misty Copeland’s memoir.

9. My Tiny Devotions Aim True Mala. A reminder to not only keep your aim true, but to stay true throughout it all.

10. Aim True, my new book about loving your body, nourishing your spirit, and discovering true balance.

xo – Kathryn

Filed Under: Boho Ambassadors, Boho Community, Fitness, Health + Wellness, Intentional Living, Style, Wanderlust, Yoga, Yoga + Spirit Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Whats In Her Boho Bag with MB LaRue

September 30, 2015 By Leave a Comment

She’s a yoga teacher + life coach, as well as a lover of avocados, French press coffee, hip hop, Mala Beads and dogs – especially her lovable English bulldog Rosy. Mary Beth Larue is the co-founder of Rock Your Bliss a yoga + goals movement inspiring and empowering others to live their yoga both on and off their yoga mats.

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We caught up with MB to find out whats in her bag!

my iPad mini: My husband surprised me with this gift last Christmas and I carry it with me everywhere. It’s chock full of all of my favorite music (Lapsley, Erykah Badu, Bonobo), my favorite books (anything by Byron Katie plus a billion other books) and notes for my classes, retreats, blogs, etc. It’s a creative Virgo’s dream come true!
 
Stinky Yogi’s Pranayama Blend: I am obsessed with this blend of essential oil by my girl Stacey. The blend is peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary and lemon.
 
my Rock Your Bliss mala: I love the mala Jacki and I designed with Tiny Devotions. My favorite stone is the Howlite guru stone which influences you to release stress and let go of negativity so you can create space in your heart and mind for love, creativity + bliss. The stone inspires us to receive wisdom and attunement from the Higher Self and the Divine. And the mala is GORGEOUS. (ya… we totally agree MB! :))
 
my red, tattered, so-loved Moleskine notebook: Oh man, this notebook has been loved up. It’s full of class sequences, musings, to-do lists, etc. I love looking through it. And the back pocket is stuffed with notes, things ripped out of magazines, etc.
 
my headphones: I adore my noise cancellation headphones for solo coffee shop dates. It says “I’m focused, no chit chat.” :)
 
my Moo business cards: You know how some people get offended by the question, “So what do you do?” I find this the juiciest question ever and am absolutely never offended. I love hearing what people are passionate about and what lights them up. And I’m always into building community. (Except in a coffee shop with my head phones on. :) )
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my Ganesha keychain: I’ve had a Ganesha keychain in my bag for 9 years and have lost it several times and always find it. Ganesha is a Hindu deity and the remover of obstacles and I like to think that he’s working for me all the time.
 
Grab your gypset tote and hit up Rock Your Bliss’ next retreat!
October 10th-17th

 

Filed Under: Boho Ambassadors, Boho Community, Mala Beads, Uncategorized, Wanderlust, Yoga, Yoga + Spirit Tagged With: , , , , ,

Just Add Bliss

September 29, 2015 By Leave a Comment
When you own a company called Rock Your Bliss you are kinda held accountable to, ya know, rock that bliss. That being said, we don’t wake up every single day bright eyed and bushy tailed, ready to take on the day. We no doubt have our slumps. But these are our top three tried and true ways to shortcut our way to bliss. Let us know what you think and share your own in the comments below.
 

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#1 Infuse Intention.
When we’re not operating from a space of intention, we’re relying on our habitual ways of being. “Getting by,” if you will. Infuse intention into everything you do. How do you decide on the intention? First ask yourself what you want more of in your life. Creativity, playfulness, compassion. Then operate from that soul space.
 
#2 Move your body.
Jacki is a runner and a lover of yin yoga. MB is currently digging meditation, CrossFit and an occasional Pilates ass kicking. Whatever gets you out of your head and into your body (hello, dance party!) is all good. Just play.
 
#3 Unplug.
Leave your phone at home and go for a long walk with your pup, a hike in the mountains or along the shore. Look around. Observe. Instant dose of creativity and spaciousness.
 
Retreat:

Want bliss? Join MB and Jacki in Sayulita, Mexico October 10-17 for a transformational week in their favorite place on the planet. Amidst ocean breezes, expect life changing conversation, sweaty yoga sessions and blissed out evenings on the sand. @marybethlarue and @jackicarr designed a program that will uplift and inspire, and create big shifts in your daily life. At the same time, enjoy a vacay in a tropical paradise – surfing, snorkeling and sipping margaritas.Space is limited so snag your spot fast.

 
 
Filed Under: Fitness, Health + Wellness, Intentional Living, Life Lessons, Mala Beads, Uncategorized, Wanderlust, Yoga, Yoga + Spirit Tagged With: , , , , ,

Kickstart your Dreams: What I Learned in Thailand

October 22, 2014 By Leave a Comment

_P9A2139 (2)I just got back from Thailand. For me, it was a dream, the trip of a lifetime. I got a chance to take a pause, smile in the sunshine, appreciate my struggles and thank the universe for new opportunities.  Dreams can become a reality, I assure you!  Go after them and seek that ‘something’ that sets the colors of your world on fire. To help you get there, here is a list of my shortcuts…

1. Pay attention. Kismet is calling you. Fate is real, that is a fact. I know for certain my path was paved with cobblestones of fate. There’s no other explanation as to how I got here except that I paid attention to the signs, went with it, and never stopped trying. Whether you believe it or not, I bet if you look hard, you can find messages everywhere that were meant for you. Why are they meant for you? Because you noticed them, and that counts for something. Pay attention. Listen to the nagging voices. Look around… the universe is calling.

 2. Find the right partner. Don’t settle. I was lucky enough to find the right person for me who stuck with me and supported me no matter what hair-brained idea I came up with that I wanted to try next. To achieve your goals, it is imperative to have the right person by your side who’s a best friend, a confidant and a support network. I have told all three of my sons that choosing a spouse is the most important choice they will ever make, above anything. The right one can make the world brighter and challenges seem easier to reach.

 3. Give back. Give thanks. This one’s a biggie. First, let me give you a small backstory. I was fortunate enough to be able to visit Cambodia within my recent travels abroad, and it was a place that absolutely changed me to my core. The second day I was there I knew I had to do something, and decided to start working on a foundation. If you are able, find a cause, contribute and volunteer. If not money, then donate your time. There’s a story about a kid standing on the seashore amongst millions of starfish that had washed up and were dying. He began throwing them out one by one back into the sea, and when a stranger approached and asked him what kind of difference he expected to make, he threw another starfish back and replied, “I made a difference to that one”. Be that person.  Try to make a difference, even if it’s a small one, and I guarantee you will find yourself closer to your own goals by default.

 4. Get a tattoo. Or something similar. What I really mean is that it is important to have a daily physical reminder to be thankful, pursue your goals and keep trying. If you aren’t into tattoos, wear a meaningful bracelet or keep a list of your goals in your wallet. Make the reminders that you need to ground you tangible. While in Thailand I received a sak yant blessing tattoo from a monk. That is my tangible reminder, and I’ve run my fingers over the blessing every day since I received it. If you are ever in Thailand, I highly recommend taking an adventure to Wat Bang Phra outside of Bangkok to get tattooed by a monk. It’s a wonderfully rad experience.

 5. Be Real. Don’t compromise. Find your voice. Find who you are. Be genuine and true to yourself and don’t copy other people. I have sadly watched friendships destroyed over businesses, money takeover principles, and greed destroy love. There are people who will lie, cheat and steal to great ahead, but those people’s successes never last. Strive to be the kind of person that your grandmother would be proud to know. Cut and dry, be an awesome human, don’t stray from humanity and success will find you.

6. Think big. Life is finite. All of those things you want to do… go out and do them! You may not see how to get there at first, but perseverance wins. Perseverance mixed with big dreams… wins big. Be unstoppable. And then go to celebrate on the sandy beaches of Thailand.

IMG_8831-150x150Tiffani Shipman graduated from University of Oklahoma with degrees in Psychology and Sociology, received her RYT200 through Tiffany Cruikshank Yoga Medicine, and is currently studying Acupuncture, Holistic Therapy and Sports Medicine. She is a contributor to Misfit Yoga and Wellness and you can also find her blog, yoga schedule and more at www.tiffanishipman.com.  When she isn’t studying her craft or teaching yoga, you’ll find her playing practical jokes on her friends and family, restoring old cars, baking cupcakes, hula hooping, or enjoying a beer in the backyard. She resides in Edmond, Oklahoma with her husband and three boys.

Filed Under: Intentional Living, Yoga + Spirit Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

From Hana with Love

October 16, 2014 By Leave a Comment

It was something we never thought we could do (which has made it all the more powerful).

When our founder, Diana, tried to make it to Hana, Hawaii back in February she had to turn around at the halfway point after suffering from severe motion sickness.

Even though she was feeling a strong unexplainable pull to get there, she surrendered to her body and said to her husband “there’s probably nothing there I had to see anyway” (she was wrong).

A few days later while flipping through photos on Instagram she was e-introduced to our Tiny Devotions Ambassador Eliza Darling (who she then discovered lived in Hana).

Eliza embodies the spirit of Tiny Devotions. She is a beautiful yogini filled to the brim with energy, truth, strength and magic.

Diana instantly knew that this was the missing Hana piece and regret started to set in that she hadn’t made it.

Then the idea came to bring Hana to our Tiny Devotions community. It was partly selfish (we wanted to experience the free spirited, raw, and gorgeous life of untouched Hana ourselves). But it was so necessary for us. Anything you can’t do, is usually something you must do. We made some calls, pulled some lei’s and we got the breathtaking, awe inspiring photos to prove it.

If there is still a modern day bohemia it’s Hana, Hawaii and we are so thankful that Quincy, Eliza, Iris, Jess could bring it to us (and you)…

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Filed Under: Intentional Living, Yoga + Spirit Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Finding Bliss in Bali, Kundalini Style

October 9, 2014 By Leave a Comment

wanderlustmalaI just recently was lucky enough to travel to Bali with my boyfriend for three weeks. In answer to your question, yes it was as dreamy as it sounds. Prior to jetting off, my mind was filled with the thoughts of beaches, pristine rice fields and breezy afternoons spent meditating (think, Julia Roberts, Eat Pray Love). Bali most certainly did not disappoint and I know with certainty that it is a place I will have to visit again in my life.

In my research leading up to the trip, it became clear that checking out a yoga class while in Bali was a must. Bali is the home to many renowned yoga teachers, schools and retreats. My boyfriend and I splurged and spent two nights at the gorgeous, Desa Seni Eco Village. Desa Seni is a popular spot for tourists and locals to enjoy organic meals, relax in authentic Balinese cottages and of course, practice yoga.

I carefully studied the yoga schedule, and decided to try a class I was not as familiar with. While home in Vancouver, I love a sweaty Vinyasa Flow or Hot class. I have only practiced Kundalini once, so decided Bali would be the place I would learn more about this form of yoga. Despite being intimidated by a sea of experienced yogis, I joined them for Kundalini on a beautiful Bali morning.

desaseni1Before entering into practice, our instructor gave us a brief introduction to Kundalini. This tiny, tanned, glowing yogi explained that Kundalini practice involves repeated movements and chants with the intention of awakening and strengthening the spiritual and physical body. She said that “if you aren’t feeling some sort of discomfort during your practice, you are probably doing something wrong.”

This discomfort kicked in almost immediately as I bumbled through chants (note to self: learn Sanskrit) and felt my arms nearly light on fire as we moved them up and down, in circles and every other which way for minutes on end. In addition to warning us of the potential for pain, our instructor explained that some people claim to experience a unique sense of euphoria during and after Kundalini practice.

As we moved towards the end of class, something funny happened. While chanting (I learned to fake it) and pushing my body through repetitive, taxing motions, I felt an energy buzzing through myself and the yogis around me. The more I leaned into the discomfort, the more exhilarated I felt after the posture was over. I left that class feeling amazing and alive.

desaseni4The post-Kundalini bliss lasted a few days and over that time I began to think about the parallels between this practice of yoga and travel itself. Like Kundalini, travel involves discomfort, uncertainty and sometimes pain. I experienced mind-numbing jet lag, was pummelled by a wave while relaxing on the beach and learned the hard way that my stomach and Indonesian pizza are not friends.

But, as I worked through these travel woes I also felt near perfect moments like watching the sunset on Lombok (an island off Bali), swimming in a pool, in our private pool with my lovely man and seeing countless Balinese people greet me with some of the most genuine smiles I’ve ever seen. These moments and my post-Kundalini endorphins would not have felt the same without enduring some discomfort beforehand.

These feelings of bliss may not always require some prior struggle, but in my experience they often do. Whether it is in travel, your yoga practice, or life in general, the good can sometimes come with some struggle. I wore my Wanderlust Mala, throughout my trip in Bali. Whenever I look at it, I am reminded of this beautiful contradiction. You don’t need to travel to Bali to experience this. Embrace the discomfort of a new job, yoga class (I highly recommend Kundalini!), or whatever feels foreign or scary to you. I guarantee you will get a least a little bliss out of it.

Liz works in Digital Engagement at lululemon athletica.  Books are her one true love, with Pinterest as a close second. Expressing her thoughts and wisdom through writing is what lights her up. Her goal is to one day work as a freelance writer. See what she is up to on Instagram, @lady__lizz. ?

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10 Things to Think about Before Planning a Yoga Retreat

September 10, 2014 By 1 Comment

Screen Shot 2014-09-08 at 3.08.55 PM1. What do I need in my life right now?
Create an intention for what you would like to achieve from a Yoga retreat. Attend regular Yoga or meditation classes to gain clarity and focus about what you currently need. Ask your body the question…’What do I need?’ Trust in the higher intelligence of your body to give you signals that will guide you towards your highest needs. Consider what you are looking for to decide on the most suitable retreats that will best fit your needs. Study the retreat descriptions carefully and find the one that speak loudly to you personally. Seek the ultimate retreat that appears to be customised just for you! When I design a retreat I’m aiming to create an experience that will refresh the spirit, reignite passion for living, rediscover balance in life and deepen our yoga and meditation practice.

2. What do I yearn to learn?
Retreats offer all kinds of different benefits and learning experiences. Exceptional retreats will offer a combination of many benefits and topics with an overall theme focus. Here’s a few to consider regarding what you may need and what may excite you.
• Restorative and nurturing yoga classes
• Energizing and dynamic yoga classes
• Advanced yoga postures
• Yoga philosophy
• New healthy rituals
• Ayurvedic lifestyle rituals
• Personal development
• Self healing
• Letting go of negative emotions
• Self love rituals
• Detox and cleansing
• Nourishing and energising food
• New foods and cooking demos
• Positive thinking and manifesting dreams
• Chakra energy centres
• Chi energy flow
• Learning new Yoga styles
• Peace, tranquillity, harmony
• Daily meditation
• Chanting
• Mantras and mudras
• Healthy weight and positive self image
• Self time; down time
• Adventures : skiing, horse riding, surfing, stand up paddling, snorkeling

Shambhala_Hangin Hammock _Bern copy3. Do I know the organizer or teachers on the Retreat?
It may be your own teacher or a teacher from your local studio who is running the retreat and you aspire to learning more from their lifestyle and wisdom. Does this teacher make you feel supported and cared for? Are they warm approachable and knowledgable? If you do not know the teacher then it’s best to spend time researching their credentials and experience and importantly check out their guest testimonials on past retreats. Feel confident in asking the teachers or organisers what their professional intention is with the retreat? You want to feel reassured that they are designing and guiding the retreat with a deeper passion to help, transform and improve peoples lives while immersed in the depths of Yoga practice, spiritual and healthy rituals.

4. What type of Yoga do I prefer?
Some retreats are based on specific types of Yoga styles (Hatha,Vinyasa, Anusara, Ashtanga, Iyengar, Yin, Acro etc) Enquire about the type of Yoga if you’re uncertain about the descriptions. Also check out the level of yoga (beginner, intermediate, advanced, all levels) and make sure the retreat you choose will accommodate your personal level of practice so you feel supported or challenged as much as you need. Unless specified as ‘advanced’, most retreats will cater for all levels Be prepared to embrace your individual journey without judging your ability or level. Most guests are surprised at the broad range of different levels and how comfortable and accepted they feel as they immerse into the retreat experience.

5. Location…location!
What landscape, culture and climate most inspires or deeply relaxes you? Are you more relaxed near the rainforest, by the ocean or in the mountains? Do you need adventure, culture, exotic locations and other elements to be included as part of your pre or post retreat experience. Retreat locations can be a monumental influence on the whole retreat experience. An amazing location will provide a powerful and positive flow of energy and negative ions, it will host a picture perfect backdrop and establish a beautiful soft ambience.Consider the location that most relaxes or excites you. Perhaps you’re interested in discovering a new location and new country and you can include the retreat as a healthy start or finish to your overseas holiday. Consider If you prefer luxury 5 star options verse basic rustic accommodation. The retreat accommodation should be clean, immaculate, stylish and esthetically pleasing. The layout should be feng shui considered to optimise a positive energy flow and additional touches such as crystals and ancient mythology statues will also support the energy and spiritual nature of the location.

Banyan tree entrance6. Does it look professional and organized?
The retreat description should clearly outline the theme, style, dates, location, costs, general overview of activities and all inclusions. You can also submit prior interest in the retreat to receive the itinerary or schedule to gain more information on what to expect on the retreat and how to be prepared. Once your booking is confirmed you should also receive the comprehensive time schedule with your daily rituals, preparation guide, packing list and a health medical questionnaire form to assess your health status and intentions for the retreat. The greater the attention to logistics, the more nurtured and supported you will feel during the transition from your home to the retreat. Your dietary preparation pre retreat and your special food requirements should also be requested and recorded.

7. What are the Costs?
Most retreats should be inclusive of accommodation, food, yoga and all activities except airfare. Additional extras may include optional spa treatments and massages. Retreat costs will vary greatly depends on the number of nights stay, the luxury elements of the accommodation and the exact location. Choose retreats within your budget but also be prepared to save and invest in the retreat of your dreams!

8. When should I go?
It’s ideal to be organised well in advance however, if your life is completely off track and you feel desperately out of balance then don’t wait to start healing, rebalancing and renewing. Get happy and harmonised! Go now!

9. What foods turn you on?
Yoga Retreats will vary greatly with food choices and some may only offer vegetarian or vegan options. Some retreats will encourage you to eliminate certain foods pre retreat to alkalise the body and enhance your retreat experience with more energy and less joint stiffness. Remember that Yoga retreats are designed to energise the liver, nourish the adrenal glands and support the body from the inside out. Try to accept the cleansing of sugar, toxins and acidic products from your diet as the beginning of a whole new anti-aging and happier lifestyle. Ask to see the retreat menu and check that the food is supplied from fresh organic local suppliers if possible.

10. Is there soul surrender time just for YOU?
Choose a retreat that offers down time and personal surrender just for you. On a quality retreat even the yoga is optional. Choose how much or how little you want to participate.

category_images_9 (1)Madonna Williams is a modern day Yoga and meditation therapist, health presenter and educator with a soulful approach to celebrating the body’s wisdom and inner spirit. Internationally accredited as a Yoga teacher and personal trainer, Madonna is the author of the successful book ‘Zen Soul Your Life‘ and the creator of the community Yoga movement ‘Zen Soul Yoga‘ that offers weekly Yoga classes and regular Yoga retreats. She is also the creator and presenter for the upcoming new online series ‘Yoga Zen Soul’. Trained in Zen Thai Shiatsu healing and food/nutrition coaching, Madonna also offers personal mentoring, healing massage and life coaching. Her work has been featured in media platforms such as Well-being Magazine, Cove Magazine, Get It Magazine, Gold Coast Magazine, Dolly Magazine, Channel Nine and the Gold Coast Bulletin. Madonna is a leader of body-mind-spiritual teachers and intends to help others ‘peace, nourish and nurture’ and always aim to ‘manifest your best’!

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Yoga On-the-Go: 8 Unique Global Studios

August 25, 2014 By Leave a Comment

10568908_811011888939591_5349308521966414934_nThere is nothing that I find more inspiring than enjoying a beautiful yoga practice between explorations, feeling the vital breath and energy that renews and invigorates the spirit during an empowering journey through this extraordinary world of ours. That’s why I always bring my yoga mat; you never know when you are going to happen upon the perfect place to practice!

Yoga gives us a “time out” and a “tune in”. It’s an incredible opportunity to slow down during any hectic time and re-focus our energy into the possibility of becoming strong, grounded, and centered. Even when you’re on the move, traveling to any and all exotic locations, taking the space to practice yoga can enhance the experience that you are having. Also, who doesn’t love a little bit of yoga in a place that you have never visited before?

The research was done and we found eight bliss-inducing studios around the globe that will help you sweat, stretch and get your flow on! With your passport in hand, be sure to do yourself a favor and check in to them when the wind leads you to your destination:

1. YogaTree Studios, Toronto, Canada: “Come grow with us” is the slogan, and how very apt it is! With four yoga studios in the Greater Toronto Area, including a fifth location to be added this fall, YogaTree is ready to meet you in the midst of a this bustling, Canadian city. Each studio has its own unique design, catering the vibe to the energy of each unique area of Toronto, and with classes that range from Hot Yoga and Ashtanga to Restorative and Beginner’s Yoga, there is truly something for everyone. An experience not to be missed!

 2. Liberation Yoga, Los Angeles, United States: You walk in, and you immediately feel at home. The studio is designed with comfort, love, and kindness in mind; rice paper lanterns, beautifully painted murals, andde licious Nag Champa incense wafting through every carefully crafted room. There is an enclosed garden attached to the space, so indoor and outdoor classes are part of the menu. Expect a fun, welcoming, youthful vibe and a variety of classes to keep you both pumped and zenned!

3. Rituel Studio, Paris, France: Miss out on your yoga while vacationing in France? “Paris” the thought! Rituel Studio has everything you’d expect in a classic French vibe, mixed with the intensive strength of a fortified yoga and fitness studio. Here, you will find pilates, cardio classes, and yoga for a blend that creates a fit body and calm mind. They even have classes for kids! When in Paris, be sure to stop by for the best of all yogic worlds.

4. Yoga Shala, Reykjavik, Iceland: Amidst the scenic ,Nordic beauty of the incomparable country of Iceland stands Yoga Shala, a bright and blissful space ready to fulfill all of your yoga desires. With reasonable drop in rates, a variety of classes (including Ashtanga, Acro Yoga and Mysore), this studio is the perfect stop for the valiant-hearted adventurer. Classes are taught in English as well as Icelandic, so you will never feel left out of the loop!

5. Hamsa Yoga Studio, Copenhagen, Denmark: Get ready for the ultimate in wellness! When it comes to a healthy life in mind, body, and soul, the people of Denmark really make the grade. This gorgeous and unique studio has nearly eveyr type of class imaginable, whether you like to feel your heart race, or you need to take a moment to wind down. There is also a wellness clinic attached, so make sure to enjoy a skin treatment or thai yoga massage after your practice!

 6.  Karma Yoga, Shaghai, China: Vast open studios in the heart of a historic and metropolitan Asian city? How could you skip it?! This studio is warm, bright, and positively enchanting. Located in the heart of Shanghai, you’ll find everything here from power yoga, to beginner’s classes, to meditation workshops and wellness clinics. This studio is all about living the life of the yogi, and you are guaranteed to get the full, authentic experience from the moment you walk through the doors. Outstanding!

7. YogaCara Healing Arts, Mumbai, India: Here, you are communing with the source. Yoga began in India, and so it is an impossibly humbling experience to join in the very origins of your practice. There are classes for all yoga needs, including Ivengar, a type of Hatha Flow that strongly integrates Pranayama breathing with strong, stable movements. You will also find a wellness clinic with massage options, a zen garden, workshops, and a teacher training institute. Be sure to make the trip!

8. Abundance Yoga and Pilates, Auckland, New Zealand: A gorgeous yoga experience in one of the most gorgeous parts of the world! With a strong focus on building strength and endurance in the body, Adundance has some of the best Power Yoga and Pilates classes that you can find, guaranteeing that you will feel refreshed and revitalized with each class. Their community is incredibly open to the stories of new travellers and visitors, so don’t be surprised if they offer you and opportunity to stay with them full time!

Yoga is Universal. It is a fascinating thing to observe how different parts of the world work with their practice and integrate teachings into their daily lives. Having your mat with you throughout the world is not only important to the yogic journey, but it is also a doorway into the soul of your practice. Be prepared for a stretch and a sweat, and you will have the world’s love at your fingertips.

Namaste!

Lauren is a guest writer for the Huffington Post and Social Media Coordinator in Toronto.

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Twitter:@LaurenMesservey
Web: http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/lauren-messervey/

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Confessions from a Boho Fashionista: My All Time Favourite Ashrams and Why you Should go at Least Once!

July 25, 2014 By Leave a Comment

78mhI8OXYsp-xUZISMWvrHvhG4LP86mdCmVKnxkIsNIHey Boho Beauties,

The last time I created one of my most solid intentions was at my all time fave ashram. “I am love.” It came to me in a moment of sweet silence when turquoise waves were soothing the white shore at Paradise Island, Nassau. Yoga babes and gypsy goddesses alike have shared moments of pure bliss like this with me, when their time spent at an ashram turned from 7 day vacay to life changing journey. If you’ve never been, an ashram is a spiritual center meant for healing, yoga, meditation and karma exchange. Dreamers like us go to there to shed old energy, create new light and return to the true beauties that we are. With so many places to get our ashram on, it’s hard to choose a spot.

Here are my top 3 fave ashrams that you should visit now. . . 

375a58bba4bf3d2ec1d27d4c6465ac03Val Morin, Quebec, Canada: Spiritual warriors, truth seekers and gypsy goddesses have been opening their third eyes in the lotus pose at this ashram since the 60’s! It’s the very first ashram on North American soil and the headquarters of Sivananda Yoga Centres. Yoga queens should check out this peaceful paradise if their looking to clear out the old and increase their bliss ten fold. Situated in the heart of 250 forested acres of the Laurentian mountains, this place has serious soul. Pack light and prepare to enjoy woodland paths, a dip in fresh water pools and overflowing gardens. 

Grass Valley, California: We’re all California girls at heart, so taking a trip to the Sivananda Retreat Center in golden Grass Valley California will be like the ultimate homecoming. There’s 80 secluded acres of pure sweetness on this woodland property that is steps from Nevada and a skip to San Francisco. You can walk through the unending meadows and contemplate your heart’s desires or go on scenic hikes to create some special intentions. Spend the afternoon dipping your boho toes in the pond, or break free and go white water rafting, this place has it all!

 Paradise Island, Bahamas: If Ashrams had a gold medal, Paradise Island would be winning by a long shot. This stunning and scenic peace center is a must-visit for all goddesses looking to get seriously spiritual in an idyllic setting. Bronzed mamas can sit by the bay in silence, planning up their most auspicious dreams, releasing the unneeded and conspiring the new. Listen to the waves, feel the sun kiss your skin and let your inner guru lead the way at this world-renowned bliss factory. This place is a true sanctuary that has natural beauty similar to yours, boho babe, so grab your passport and get south!

Have you found heaven at an ashram? I know you bohemian bellas have been, and I’d love to hear all about your experiences at these sweet fantasylands. Tell me all about it in the comments below!

libpic-1Peace, Love and Magic from

Your Resident Boho Fashionista, Libby xx

 

 

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Confessions from a Boho Fashionista: Me, My Passport, and My Yoga Mat

June 20, 2014 By Leave a Comment

8c4fadd830c30b6544ff46fae6f5245fIt’s no secret that a goddess has got to break free, bust out her passport, and hit the open road (or air) from time to time.  It’s our innate, bohemian right to see the sun kiss the sand on the shores of Kauai, snack on coconut gelato in Sorrento, and ride wild palominos through the Peruvian jungle. But there’s one small catch I know you fashionistas have all got on your brains: How do I keep up my yoga practice when I’m searching for my soul on the road? It can be tough to keep a daily practice when magical distractions are hiding behind every corner of your journey, but yoga comes in all shapes and forms, so let’s talk about some easy tricks to fuse it in where you least expect it!

Here are My Top 5 Tricks to Fuse Yoga into Your Next Boho Vacay. . . 

1. Stay Open
 Just because you’re not in a yoga studio with an uber toned, soft voiced yoga babe highlighting how to get your vinyasa on, doesn’t mean you can’t get into the flow. There’s so many ways to practice yoga sans the studio. Your hotel bedroom floor, the beach’s edge, or poolside, are each highly appropriate studio substitutes, and you don’t even need a mat! Just spread your fingers wide, take a deep breath and roll into your fave pose. Something else to consider is that you don’t need to practice a full-length class to receive all of the benefits. Just get intuitive with what you’re body and mind need that day and choose a few appropriate postures! For example, if you’re feeling super tight, take some hip openers like pigeon or fire log. Or if you’re stomach is aching from all the rad food you’ve been divulging in, take some twists and call it a day!

2. Sneak Off
The most magical places exist on our wildest adventures, so sneak off and find them! Go, gypsy babe, and find somewhere that really vibes with your soul. Set up your spot and start some pranayama, right there! You’ll be in awe of the seriously soulful vibrations you create when you sneak off to a secret place.

b9ab811d84ebf4906a628384058cb46c3. Get Creative
 As I mentioned before, yoga can happen anywhere and you don’t need to take an entire class to reap all of the benefits! If you’re really needing a yoga fix, but can’t find some alone time, pop into a gentle baddha konasana and do a five minute yoga nidra meditation. Even this practice will untangle any stress and tell your body that it’s cool to chill out! This can be done anytime, anywhere, yogi babe!

4. Gather the Group
 If you’re travelling in a group, round up the crowd, take them to a pretty spot and guide them through some of your fave poses! They’ll be sweating, giggling and super grateful—I promise! The beauty of moving and breathing with a group is indescribable, especially if your travel group is bagged from the journey.  You’ll be Zen’d out and connected to one another in a special way that you weren’t before you started your practice. Pick out some simple poses and move through them with your gal pals and fam!

5. Visualize and Set Those Intentions, Boho Babe!
 Many of my greatest teachers have told me that even visualizing yourself moving through your most favourite, relaxing postures will put your heart and bod in a state of ease. If you’re really in a pinch and there’s no place to practice, pick a meaningful intention, start some pranayama (low, diaphragm breath), and move through your vinyasa in your mind.  If you have your most beautiful Mala nearby, roll your fingers over it’s beads, close your eyes and visualize yourself moving through each posture with grace!

Your sweet and soulful journey should always be met with an open heart (and relaxed bod!), boho babe 😉 Take these easy tips with you on your next adventure and remember that you’ve got all the tools that you need!

libpic-1Peace, Love and Magic from,

You’re Resident Boho Fashionista, Libby

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