The benefits of Yoga,Walking&Detox

 Yoga is a training of the body and mind to become fully aware of every part of ourselves physically and mentally, connecting us to our inner self. If we us this in our walking then the walking  also becomes a meditative state, where one walks with full awareness and mindfulness.

So during the walk all the senses are active. Seeing the beauty around us. Hearing the sounds of nature, smelling what the season has to over us from scented flowers, to an ocean breeze to autumn leaves. Feeling the energy around us, in us and how it is all interconnected. Focusing on our breath, bringing the awareness of breathing into our walking, focusing on our senses, our breath, calming the mind, body and the being.

During the detox we do not only detoxify the body, but also the mind. Yoga aids in this as it teaches us how to connect with our breath, calming us, focusing, concentrating, thus letting go of the worries of the mind. 

The physical part of both Yoga & Walking are great attributes to detoxify the body further, as Yoga twists, upends and squeezes every part of our body releasing any toxins. Walking is a great aid in losing any excess weight, so the body can feel in optimum form again.

Walking in nature brings us peace of mind, connecting us with the beauty around us, feeling the energy flow between us. Connecting back to our roots and inner self.

Namaste Shaini

YOGA & SURFING

“What’s the difference between yoga and stretching?”

At first glance, it may seem that yoga is simply a form of stretching, and in fact, a lot of yoga poses do stretch the body in various ways.
But just as surfing is more than mere exercise, yoga is more than just stretching.
You see, yoga is not just about flexibility.

Yes, you definitely WILL become more flexible when you do yoga, but it’s almost like a side-benefit.
Just like surfing, yoga is a way of living, a way of being. Yoga becomes a part of you — sometimes developing slowly; other times happening dramatically — and you learn to draw on your yoga reserves right when you need them.

You might find that you start to focus on your breath during a stressful situation, or you might surprise yourself by staying calm and centered instead of being overrun by your emotions.
You might notice that you’re sleeping better, experiencing more energy and better moods.
You might more naturally and effortlessly begin to eat more healthfully and take better care of yourself, and feel good about doing so.
And of course, you likely will experience greater energy and endurance on the waves and more pure stoke in your everyday life!

That’s because when you practice Yoga, you learn to breathe consciously and stay aware of what you’re feeling in each pose.
You learn to remain open to what you’re feeling, without opinion or judgment — and instead, to embrace the experience at hand.
And then you translate that sense of calm energy and focused awareness to your everyday life so that each moment comes into razor-sharp view.

That means no more sleep-walking through life!

Instead, no matter what comes up — from the rides to the wipe-outs — you learn to stay balanced and centered, open and free.

If you haven’t done so already, I invite you begin to live in that state of yoga, which is a sense of oneness, of wholeness, of well-being.

Yogaforsurfers

Speaking Your Truth

Satya, one of the five yamas (restraints) in Patanjali's Yoga Sutra, means "truthfulness." Just because something is true, however, does not mean that it needs to be said! Being thoughtful with your words and avoiding harsh language and hurtful gossip is just as important as speaking the truth when practicing satya.

Ask yourself these three questions to help determine whether something should be said: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?

Through practicing satya you can not only sweeten your own life, but also "contribute to the well-being of the whole world."

(from Yoga Journal)

Namaste,
Shaini

Surf & Yoga Retreat

Waves Within April Coming Soon!!! For more info check www.waveswithin.com

Namaste,
Shaini

Gentle nighttime routine

Whether it's breathing to slow the heart rate or massage to calm the mind, a simple yogic routine can be effective for a better night's sleep. The next time you have trouble sleeping, follow these simple steps, and observe their soothing wonders:

Know your timing. Institute a regular bedtime; maintaining consistency will help keep your circadian rhythms—the biological changes that happen every 24 hours—steady. Eventually, your body will naturally understand and crave sleep during these hours.

Create a wind-down period. Create space between your busy day and sleep time. Honor your time at home and play relaxing music, or light candles. Think of the yoga precept of pratyahara: Withdraw your senses in order to turn inward.

Strike a pose. Notice how you feel before doing a nighttime yoga routine. Are you wired or tired? If you're amped up, do poses like twists or standing poses to burn off excess energy. If you're tired, do some restorative poses or breathing until you feel more refreshed.

Get warm. Remember to stay toasty while practicing your nighttime poses—have a blanket, socks, and a sweater nearby. Drink a warm cup of herbal tea or take a bath based on your dosha.

Freedom

Yoga is a way to freedom. By its constant practice, we can free ourselves from fear, anguish and loneliness.

Yoga pose explained: Baddha Konasana

Badhha Konasana:
Bound Angle Pose

First Chakra opening pose, groin opener. Be gentle with this area, it's a place where we tend to hold a lot of emotions and stress, so like a beautiful flower, let it slowly come to bloom, without forcing it and breaking it.
It is very common for people to feel tears arise with this pose, let them flow and feel the sadness flow out of your body, making room for happiness and joy!!


Step by Step

1
 Sit with your legs straight out in front of you, raising your pelvis on a blanket if your hips or groins are tight. Exhale, bend your knees, pull your heels toward your pelvis, then drop your knees out to the sides and press the soles of your feet together.

2
Bring your heels as close to your pelvis as you comfortably can. With the first and second finger and thumb, grasp the big toe of each foot. Always keep the outer edges of the feet firmly on the floor. If it isn't possible to hold the toes, clasp each hand around the same-side ankle or shin.

3
Sit so that the pubis in front and the tailbone in back are equidistant from the floor. The perineum then will be approximately parallel to the floor and the pelvis in a neutral position. Firm the sacrum and shoulder blades against the back and lengthen the front torso through the top of the sternum.

4
Never force your knees down. Instead release the heads of the thigh bones toward the floor. When this action leads, the knees follow.

5
Stay in this pose anywhere from 1 to 5 minutes. Then inhale, lift your knees away from the floor, and extend the legs back to their original position.

Go with the magical flow of life.

Namaste