Author: Diane Cesa

Been a devoted yoga practitioner for over 5 years, and a registered yoga teacher. I am also training to be a yoga therapist and a yoga, Thai massage therapist.
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Instabang.com Review: A Deep Dive

Instabang.com is for people looking for instant, casual connections. In this review we’ll go over the features, user experience and if it’s worth joining for your next casual bang.

Bottom Line

  • Instabang.com is for those looking for quick, no-strings-attached hookups, not deep relationships.
  • Gold membership is required to read messages and view profiles so it’s a pricey option for full access.
  • Site is male dominated so it’s a competitive space to find connections; be cautious of scams despite the security measures.

What is Instabang.com

Instabang.com is the online dating equivalent of a Las Vegas quickie wedding chapel – fast, hot and all about instant gratification. This adult dating site is for those who like their romantic encounters with a side of “right now” and a healthy dose of “no strings attached”. If you’re looking for long walks on the beach and deep conversations about your childhood you might want to swipe left on this one. Instabang is all about cutting to the chase or as they say “instant connections and casual dating” with a hint of casual sex on dating sites like this one. In this instabang review we’ll go over the features and benefits of using this site for casual encounters.

So who does Instafuck.com cater to? A crowd of 23 to 36 year olds, mostly American singles and couples, all with a twinkle in their eye that says “I’m here for a good time, not a long time”. The site’s heart (and other parts) are in the USA but it’s also got a big following in Canada and surprisingly Egypt. So whether you’re looking to spice up your love life in the land of the free or seeking some pyramid scheme of passion Instabang claims to have you covered. Just remember folks – what happens on Instabang, stays on Instabang… hopefully.

Features and Benefits

Instabang isn’t afraid to show off its features and boy do they have a lot to choose from. Starting with the “Who’s Cute” game it’s like hot or not but with more human contact. Feeling indecisive? The “Swipe Game” brings that Tinder like experience to gold members because who doesn’t love making split second decisions based on carefully angled selfies?

Also Instabang has live cams for those who like their interactions with a side of voyeurism. And if you’re feeling adventurous (or just really specific about your type) their search features let you filter matches by kinks, gender, age and location. It’s like building your perfect match one checkbox at a time!

Gold membership on Instabang gets you:

  • See who’s been looking at your profile
  • Read and send messages without limits
  • Premium live cam action
  • Access to a premium content gallery where you can upload your own photos

Just remember, consent is sexy and unsolicited nudes are not.

Sign up on Instabang

Ready to dive into Instabang’s pool of potential matches? Sign up is faster than a Las Vegas wedding – and potentially just as wild. In six easy steps you’ll be on your way to… whatever it is you’re looking for on an adult dating site. First you’ll need to choose your gender and preferences – and yes they cater to men, women and couples so no one’s left out of this party.

Next you’ll need to enter your zip code (long distance relationships are so last season), your age (remember 18+ only folks!) and a valid email address. Don’t worry about giving out your phone number – Instabang isn’t that clingy. After that you’ll be ready to dive into the dating scene. Just remember to bring your virtual floaties – things can get wild out there!

Account Verification and Setup

Well done! You’ve signed up on Instabang. But hold your horses Casanova – there’s a bit more to do before you can start your conquest. First things first you’ll need to verify your account via email. Don’t see the email? Check your spam folder – sometimes these things like to play hard to get. If you still can’t find it don’t panic! Instabang’s customer support is here to help you in your time of need.

Once you’ve done that you’ll need to create your digital persona. Choose a username that’s intriguing and appealing – HotStuff69 is taken, I checked. Now here’s where things get fun. Instabang will give you a selection of at least 20 profile photos. Your mission should you choose to accept it is to mark the ones you like. It’s like a twisted game of “Hot or Not” but with higher stakes. Choose wisely – Instabang will send winks to these lucky individuals. Who knew finding love (or whatever you’re looking for) could be so… efficient?

Website and Interface

Instabang’s online world is like an adult candy store – everything you need is right there in front of you. Navigation is clearer than your intentions with sections like:

  • Search
  • Online Now
  • Video Chat
  • Galleries
  • Webcams

All in the main navigation bar, it’s so user friendly even non techy people can use it, making it perfect for accessing different services on different sites (not that we’re suggesting she should).

The search bar is right at the top, to help you find your match faster than you can say “casual encounter”. And let’s talk about the elephant in the room – or should I say, the gallery of barely dressed people. Instabang doesn’t beat around the bush (pun intended). The site is plastered with erotic images and explicit content, leaving almost nothing to the imagination. It’s like a digital red-light district, without the awkward eye contact with people walking by.

A heads up for the design conscious – some users have reported the photos can be… let’s say, hit or miss. But who are we to judge? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and on Instabang there’s plenty to behold. The site works on all major browsers, with Google Chrome and Safari being the smoothest. So whether you’re browsing on your lunch break (we won’t tell) or burning the midnight oil Instabang’s got you covered.

Mobile

In the swipe-right world of romance today you might be wondering if Instabang is mobile. Well I’ve got good news and bad news. The bad news? There’s no dedicated mobile app for Instabang. The good news? The site is more responsive than your ex after a 2am “you up?” text.

No app but Instabang’s mobile site is like a Swiss Army knife of adult dating – compact yet packs all the tools you need. With features cleverly organized in a collapsible menu navigation is as smooth as your best pickup line.

Here’s an interesting fact: 93.64% of Instabang’s visitors use mobile devices. Yes, folks – most users prefer their casual encounters with a side of portability.

Just remember to clear your browser history if you’re using a shared device. We wouldn’t want any awkward conversations at the family dinner table, now would we?

Profile and Interaction Tools

As for profiles on Instabang, they’re quick and dirty not long and detailed. You’ll find the basics – a profile photo, some quick info and public media. It’s like speed dating but without the awkward small talk and sweaty palms. If you’re looking for deep, soul searching bios you might want to try a different platform. Instabang is all about cutting to the chase.

Now let’s talk about how to communicate with these minimal profiles. Instabang has a whole buffet of communication tools which are some of the instabang pros. You’ve got your standard chat for real-time conversations, private messages for when you want to get a little more… personal and live video chat for those brave enough to face-to-face. There’s also a newsfeed like feature where members can post and interact through comments and likes. It’s like Facebook but with less clothes and more… well, you get the idea.

But there’s a catch – free members can send messages but can’t read or reply. It’s like being able to knock on the door but not being allowed to come in. And if you want to see who’s been looking at your profile? You guessed it – premium account required. Instabang is playing hard to get, folks.

But for those who have paid there’s plenty of perks. You can:

  • rate photos of other members
  • play games
  • send winks and likes
  • join forums to chat about anything

It’s like a playground for adults – just remember to play nice and always ask for consent.

User Engagement and Activity

Let’s get to the numbers shall we? Instabang has 30 million members total. That’s more than the population of Australia! But before you start imagining a sea of matches let’s break it down a bit. Out of those 30 million about 1 million are active members. Still impressive but it’s like going to a party where 29 out of 30 people are passed out on the couch.

Now if you’re in the USA you’re in luck. Instabang has about 1.2 million American members with about 19,700 daily logins. That’s a lot of people looking for love (or something like it) in all the wrong places. The ‘Trending Now’ page is where the action’s at with members flocking there daily to see what’s hot and who’s not. It’s like a virtual meat market but with less actual meat and more… well, you get the idea.

But here’s the interesting part. Remember that friend who always complains about the guy-to-girl ratio at bars? Well they’d have a field day with Instabang. The site is heavily male dominated or guys if you will. It’s like a digital sausage fest. But don’t lose hope fellas! There are active female members out there. They’re just… greatly outnumbered. It’s survival of the fittest out there. May the odds be ever in your favor!

Real-Life Usage Scenarios

Let’s get into the nitty gritty. What’s the real experience of using Instabang? Well it’s a mixed bag folks. It’s like a box of chocolates – you never know what you’re gonna get. Some users have reported meeting partners through the site and proving that love (or lust) can indeed happen in the digital age. These lucky ones managed to wade through the profiles and find their match. It’s like finding a needle in a haystack if the needle was wearing lingerie and the haystack was full of… well, you know.

But it’s not all rainbows and unicorns. Many users report getting an avalanche of messages after creating a free profile. It’s like being the new kid at school if the school was full of hormonal adults instead of hormonal teenagers. And here’s where it gets tricky – to actually read messages or respond to these messages you have to pay up. Some users have reported getting scammed after paying for interactions with real members and leaving negative reviews. One poor soul even got swindled out of $600 from a fake profile. Ouch! That’s an expensive lesson in online dating. The moral of the story? Keep your wits about you and maybe keep your wallet closed until you’re sure you’re talking to a real person and not a bot with a sexy profile pic.

Security and Safety Measures

Now let’s talk about the big one – safety. In the wild west of online dating Instabang claims to be the sheriff in town. They have a 24/7 team on the lookout for troublemakers ready to disable inauthentic users and those who don’t play by the rules. It’s like having a bouncer at a club but instead of checking IDs they’re checking profile pics and behavior patterns.

Instabang also has some cool automated features to keep things on the up and up. Profiles that look suspicious or use photos swiped from the internet get automatically suspended. It’s like having a really judgmental AI as your wingman. But here’s the kicker – despite all these measures users are still expected to use the site with vigilance. It’s like being told to wear a seatbelt in a car with airbags – sure there are safety measures in place but you still need to look out for yourself.

So remember folks – if something seems too good to be true on Instabang it probably is. Keep your wits about you and maybe don’t send money to that Nigerian prince who’s also a supermodel and wants to meet you for coffee.

Overall Impressions and Value for Money

So does Instabang provide value for your hard earned money? Well let’s break it down. For the commitment phobes out there Instabang offers a trial membership. It’s like taking the car for a test drive before you buy it, except in this case the car is full of strangers looking for hookups. And if you’re feeling lucky they even offer a money back guarantee. Can’t find a casual encounter within three months of a 6- or 12-month membership? They’ll give you an additional 3-month membership for free. It’s like a “buy two get one free” deal but for dating. Who said romance was dead?

Now let’s get into the details. The cost of Instabang ranges from 9.95 USD to 119.88 USD depending on the subscription plan you choose. That’s a big range – you could buy a fancy coffee or a decent smartphone for that price. The three-day trial will cost you £2.95 which is less than a movie ticket these days. But remember once you’re in you’re in. The premium membership auto renews faster than you can say “buyer’s remorse”. Don’t worry though you can always disable the auto-renew function in your account settings. It’s like having an escape hatch in your love submarine.

But here’s the thing – while premium membership does get you some cool perks it doesn’t fix all of Instabang’s problems. Users still complain about ads popping up like whack-a-moles and low quality images in the public gallery. It’s like paying for a 5 star hotel and finding out the hot tub is just a kiddie pool with a space heater.

So is Instabang worth it? Well that depends on how much you value your time, money and sanity. And maybe how desperate you are for a date. No judgment here!

Alternatives to Instabang

If Instabang isn’t cutting it for you don’t worry! The internet is a big ocean of dating possibilities. Let’s start with Fling, a site similar to Instabang but a bit more polished. It has more features and caters to a bigger user base. It’s for those looking for casual encounters as well as those looking for more diverse dating experiences. It’s like Instabang but with a college degree and a 401k.

For the location conscious daters out there Squirt might be more your speed. It has location based search functionality so you can filter potential partners by proximity. It’s perfect for those “right here right now” moments. Just remember with great power comes great responsibility (and possibly some awkward encounters at your local grocery store).

But that’s not all! If you’re into leather, whips and chains (no judgment here) FetLife might be your digital playground. It’s for the BDSM and fetish communities and has features beyond just hookups like local event search and discussion groups. It’s like Facebook for the kinky crowd.

And for those who like to swing (and we’re not talking about dance moves) FabSwingers is for couples and singles looking to connect with like minded people. It has chat rooms, private messaging and photo galleries for deeper profile exploration. Just remember to always practice safe… everything.

Conclusion

And there you have it folks – our review of Instabang. From the streamlined sign up process to the, ahem, interesting user base we’ve covered it all. Instabang promises quick connections and casual encounters and it certainly delivers on the “casual” part. With features like the “Who’s Cute” game and live cams it’s clear this platform is all about instant gratification.

But remember dear readers all that glitters is not gold. While Instabang may seem like a digital candy store for adults it comes with its fair share of caveat emptors. From the male dominated user base to the potential for fake profiles and scams navigating this platform requires a healthy dose of skepticism and a dash of common sense. Is it worth your time and money? Well that’s up to you. Just remember in the world of online dating if something seems too good to be true it probably is. Now go forth and swipe responsibly!

FAQs

Is Instabang safe to use?

Instabang has safety features but always be careful online. Keep your personal info private and trust your instincts when using the site. Stay safe out there!

How much does Instabang cost?

Instabang’s pricing is $9.95 to $119.88 USD and they have a sneaky 3 day trial for £2.95. Just a heads up those premium memberships like to auto renew like a clingy ex. So be careful!

Are there fake profiles on Instabang?

Yes Instabang tries to filter out fake profiles but some slip through the cracks. Be sharp and watch out for those super perfect profiles asking for money.

Can I use Instabang on my mobile?

Yes you can use Instabang on your mobile since their website is fully mobile responsive and works on mobile browsers and 93% of their traffic comes from mobile devices. So go ahead and swipe but don’t get caught by your boss!

What else is there to Instabang?

If you want to try something else to Instabang you can try Fling, Squirt, FetLife or FabSwingers. Each one is for different tastes so pick the one that’s right for you. And no these aren’t pet names for your imaginary friends.

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Why regular yoga practice leads to better sex

Yoga is about more than just stretching your muscles and building that upper body strength. It’s actually a great way for you to relieve stress, get into shape and improve your sex life too. That’s why it’s been used in the bedroom as a way of improving performance.

Let’s start with the basics – there are numerous benefits associated with doing yoga regularly. Yoga improves flexibility, posture, balance and overall fitness levels. That’s all pretty standard stuff for any beginner. But when you’re looking at those big picture benefits, then yoga really starts to pay off.

For example, yoga improves blood flow throughout the body and is also a great way to find local females to fuck. Your heart pumps more blood around your system and this has a positive impact on erectile function. In short, if you do yoga often enough, you’ll be able to maintain an erection for longer periods of time (or so they say).

The increased circulation also helps prevent things like ED and PE. The improved circulatory system means that everything works faster and smoother, which leads to greater sexual stamina. We’ve talked about yoga being beneficial for your sex life before, but now we can prove it with facts.

Regular yoga practice increases testosterone production, leading to stronger erections. And more testosterone means a healthier libido and higher energy levels. Regular yoga will help you burn fat and build muscle too, both of which have a positive impact on your sex drive.

If you’re worried about the cost of a gym membership or you struggle to commit to working out every day, then yoga is the perfect solution. You can go from zero to hero in no time flat. There’s no need for expensive equipment either because you don’t even need to leave the house.

It’s not only physical health that yoga can improve, however. Mental health has become such an important part of our lives these days, and yoga can definitely help with that too. Yoga allows you to clear your mind of stress and other negative thoughts, giving you a much-needed break away from the pressures of modern life.

And lastly, yoga is good for your mental wellbeing. Being more relaxed mentally will lead to better orgasms and make you feel great about yourself. This is especially true if you choose a style of yoga that focuses on meditation. If you can take some time out every day to meditate, then your sex life will benefit greatly.

Whether you’re using dating and hookup apps like Fuckbuddies and Tinder to find casual sex, or have a committed relationship, regular yoga practice will help make your sex life better for both you and your partner. You’ll have more energy and stamina, while also feeling calmer and less stressed.

Doing yoga doesn’t just increase your chances of getting laid, it also makes you happier and more confident. And who wouldn’t want that?

Yoga

The Secret Connection Between Yoga And Massage

Yoga and massage are both amazing ways you can loosen up your body and improve your sense of well being. In different ways they work on your muscles and promote a sense of relaxation. How exactly do these two things relate, and how do they work differently on your body?

Yoga benefits

There are a number of ways that yoga benefits you, and these benefits can be just as beneficial to you as massage.

Strengthen your body

When someone does yoga, they are strengthening their muscles and preparing their bodies for the rest of their life. It improves their blood circulation and creates better posture. For people who suffer from chronic stress, yoga can help you de-stress and relax your body.

Increased Ability To Recover

As a yoga practitioner, you might find that you are better able to recover from injury than someone who doesn’t practice yoga. This is because yoga teaches you how to rest and recover better, making you stronger for whatever obstacle is ahead.

A Sense Of Self Awareness

One of the biggest benefits of yoga is how you are able to grow in awareness, and this comes about in the form of meditation.

The main thing that Yoga benefits you with is the flow of breathing and mindfulness, but also the meditation aspect of it can be quite helpful in terms of relaxing the body.

Yoga vs. Massage

In many ways, yoga and massage are the same thing. They both work on your muscles, focus on flexibility, and improve your circulation. Both involve pressure and squeezing.

They both tend to be done in a slow, gentle manner. The main differences are how they are delivered and the different ways they stimulate different parts of the body. A lot of people use Yoga and massage to combat their body tension and stress.

Yoga is the practice of breath meditation and slow movement and practice. It’s used to strengthen the body and mind, improve concentration and focus, create new attitudes and feelings about life, and generally increase the quality of your life. Yoga was and is practiced by many people around the world.

Massage is a hands-on therapy. It helps you to release stress and tension. It’s used for release of muscle tension and aches, soreness, and aches, but it can also help with injuries, burns, sprains, and arthritis, and promote healing.

Why Meditation Is Good For Your Heart

Before you jump in to any of the following, it’s important to remind yourself that most yoga poses are not intended to provide a workout in and of themselves. The stretching and stretching in particular can help to prevent any injury, but they are not designed to improve your aerobic fitness.

That said, there are many poses that are excellent exercise, in terms of toning your muscles, to develop strength, and will also increase your metabolism. So it’s important to do at least some light exercise while you are practicing yoga or practicing on your own.

Conclusion

Yoga and massage have many purposes and they can work together to get your body ready for those first few miles on a marathon. When you stretch out the tension before your workout you will be better able to withstand the exertion and allow your muscles to work optimally.

Are you thinking about getting a massage? If so, how do you plan on using it to improve your body and sense of well being? Do you have a problem with your knees or hip flexors? Have you thought about improving them through yoga? If so, please leave a comment and tell me how you plan to use your yoga knowledge.

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The Sexiest Yoga Poses For Better Nudes And Hookups

When it comes to yoga and sex, we’d like to sprinkle the beans on how one or two extra classes in the studio will make you stronger both indoors and out, increase your flexibility and raise awareness.

To help you be more adventurous in your bedroom, here are some yoga poses to revitalize your sex life, improve your confidence, and increase your flexibility, no matter what level of yogi you are. In addition to the benefits, these 10 poses can also be used to stretch and strengthen the muscles that get all the love during training, such as the lower back. 

Bridge Pose is an amazing yoga position that can help build confidence and stretch the groin area. This pose helps you loosen your spine to prepare for your upcoming bend, and it is also a great stretching for your hips. With its heart – the opening posture, bridge pose tightens the vagina and improves orgasm. This can reduce tension on the clitoris and vagina, two body regions that do a lot of work in any type of sex. 

The advantages are even greater when you go beyond the mere holding of the hand and get into advanced positions, such as cross-legged or back-to-back positions. Finally, the more flexible you become, you can start adding more and more poses to your sexual repertoire.

While there are definitely a number of sex positions that will improve your body the most, get ready to blow your man’s mind like never before. If you are tired of same-age, same-age, old sex, you have the perfect yoga position for better sex that you and your partner will love. 

Before we reveal the specifics of these juicy postures that stimulate desire and confidence in your body, let’s talk about the mind – the physical benefits of yoga. Yoga stimulates the self – empowerment through the heart – and opens poses such as yoga poses for the heart, meditation and meditation postures.

It gives you a space to explore who you are and to form a deeper connection to your true self. Getting involved with your partner in pair yoga exercises accesses the full potential of body, mind and spirit – physical connection of yoga. Before we look at exactly how these two lovebirds are capable of doing this, we should explore how this joint venture can really benefit your relationship. 

First of all, regular yoga practice helps you become more aware of the sensations that your body can enhance during sex. Through various partner yoga poses you can tap into your natural physical arousal, which will have a profound effect on the way you are physically active at all times. Those who love to get creative in the bedroom can easily try out new positions to reduce the risk of injury. 

This pose is great for women in particular, because it tightens the Kegel muscles that stretch during sexual climax. There are certain yoga exercises that also target the inner pelvic floor muscles, which, if held during sex, can increase pleasure for you and your partner.

Many yoga exercises help you tighten your pelvic floor, which can increase your self-pleasure and balance your sexual energy. This pose feels great and really lets you climb up, especially the back, and it is also great for the hips. The wide legs and the forward folds help you stay flabby for this spicy new pose and also send a rush to the pelvic area. 

Yoga is designed to strengthen the body and other areas of the body, which allows you flexibility and stamina for a good long night. Holding this pose for several breaths and letting go of your hips is a great way to stretch your lower back, activate your muscles and activate your gluteal muscles.

This posture of the angle without limits is ideal to make a quick and easy stretching before you engage with your partner again during intercourse or even during the first minutes of sex.

If you are a newcomer, dive into some yoga poses for beginners that we have put together for you to get your feet wet. This changes little, but Moses’s sexy yoga pose comprises four poses. Of all the yoga that poses itself, this is one of a handful that looks pretty tempting and sure to try with a partner.

The happy baby posture is amazing for relieving stress and anxiety and also helps to relax the lower back, sacrum and buttocks. This pose gently stretches the inner groin and increases blood circulation, calms the mind, opens the hips and relaxes the spine. The pose opens and stretches your inner thighs and opens your hips, immediately allowing blood flow to the pelvic floor. 

Yoga

The Beauty and the Depth of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

I practiced yoga for years before I even picked up a translation of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.

After doing so, I became hooked and went on to study the sutras more in-depth.

This foundational text, while is best to study with a teacher (or join a sutra discussion group), is so full of wisdom and offers a complete picture of yoga (as opposed to the McYoga we see today in America).

This post pays tribute to the perfection of the sutras with resources for further study of the sutras as well as a chanting of the first two chapters of the sutras:

  • One of my favorite translations of the Yoga Sutras comes from T.K.V Desikachar in his book The Heart of Yoga.
  • The Internet archive of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is chock full of information for anyone wanting to take his/her study of the sutras deeper.
  • You can download the archive of the Yoga Sutras here. The archive includes translations by multiple authors in a variety of languages, as well as electronic versions of some reference works, translations, sounds, and images.

And speaking of sounds and images, check out these fantastic videos of the most influential yoga teacher, Krishnamacharya, practicing yoga with the chanting of the sutras (the first two chapters) by his grandson Kaustub as the soundtrack (if you’re interested in the chanting of the yoga sutras, visit the Vedic Chant Center).

What a treasure!

I enjoy yoga conferences, but sometimes the travel and the high conference fees can be a bit rough on the bank account.

The smart folks over at YogaHub have come up with a fabulous high-tech alternative — a virtual yoga conference. This 3-day extravaganza — which is the first of its kind — is aptly entitled Yoga, Health, and Happiness. Mark your calendars, because it’s taking place February 19-21.

What I love about this conference is that it’s targeted to yoga practitioners and yoga teachers.

The number of workshops and presenters is mind-boggling and the cost of this 3-day event is roughly the equivalent of a one-day workshop.

And when you register, you get all sorts of free goodies, including a home practice DVD, access to a private discussion forum for conference-goers, and learning tools to enhance your virtual conference experience.

Another excellent program that is really gaining popularity in the yoga industry, is Yoga Burn. Jane from Wellness Warrior wrote a comprehensive review of the program.

I am so excited about this very cool event. Perhaps it’s the techie in me that loves this idea of going virtual. Or it could be the accessibility of this event — even folks on a budget can attend.

I also love the fact that if you can’t attend life, there will be recordings of the sessions available for two weeks after the event.

Hmmm…I wonder if the virtual conference concept will have the iPad effect? (see, that’s the techie geek in me coming through)

Whether the concept of virtual concept tanks or not, I will be attending to see firsthand what this experience is like.

I’m finally buying an e-reader (I held out for a while because I love the tactile pleasure of books, but I’d like to cut down on all the paper so I’m switching to ebooks), so why not go the techie route on yoga conferences?

What do y’all think about the idea of a virtual yoga conference?

I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Yoga

Poetry and Your Yoga Practice

“Poetry has a wild invitation to it — an invitation to a feast, to your life as a nourishing repast…Poetry reminds you that you’re a sacred frontier of experience. Only you can occupy that corner of the universe.” –David Whyte

Years ago, I listened to the Clear Mind Wild Heart audio from one of my favorite poets David Whyte.

When I heard first heard his words about poetry, I thought that the same could be said for yoga. After all, I had found yoga to be a nourishing practice, one that reminded me of my own sacred frontier.

In this audio, he encouraged reading poetry on a daily basis, which I began doing. I would often sit on my yoga mat just before my practice and read a poem or two.

As David Whyte alludes to in his words above, I found myself captivated by the words on the page.

A few years later, the wonderful Robert McDowell released the book Poetry as a Spiritual Practice: Reading, Writing, and Using Poetry in Your Daily Rituals, Aspirations, and Intentions.

This delightful book reminded me of the power of the marriage of poetry and yoga. It was during this time that my love of Rumi, Hafiz, Kabir, and Mary Oliver grew.

I found myself coming back to the same poems time and again, much as I do my favorite asanas and pranyamas.

The similarity to my yoga practice was mind-boggling — as my body was never the same in each asana, so was my awareness each time I read the same poem. There seemed to always be a new nuance, a new sense of understanding.

Earlier this month, a beautiful book of 108 sacred poems — Mala of the Heart — was released.

This one little book contains an inspirational collection of poems from saints and mystics who lived and died before 1900. Jack Kornfield, who wrote the foreword for the book, encourages the reader to: “Read these poems slowly. Savor them.

Then, as with a mala of prayer beads, read them again. Let them become familiar to your tongue and your heart, and let their deep wisdom guide you to the love and freedom that is your own true nature.”

Wise advice.

This book now sits on my nightstand, and although I haven’t had it for all that long, it is already getting well worn.

I do believe that I’m following the editors’ advice, who say — “…our wish for you is that the reading and rereading of a poem will invite an ever-deepening awareness of your nature.”

I can’t think of a better compliment to one’s yoga practice, as a practice often has the same effect.

I’m not sure why, but my yoga practice felt particularly nourishing and blissful this morning. There’s just something about the simplicity of moving to the rhythm of the breath. It wakes the body up and enlivens the body and the mind. May you experience the same — or something even better — during your yoga practice.

Today is all about fun links and yoga resources. I’ve got a little something for everyone today. Hope you enjoy:

  • I just love hearing Indian myths and stories. I find them fascinating and I love getting a deeper look into the history and psyche of the country that brought us one of my favorite things — yoga. This fabulous TED Talk discusses Indian myths and their differences to ones in the West. If you’re a mythology fan, you’ll enjoy this 18-minute talk.
  • If there’s one good thing that’s come about as a result of the tragedy in Haiti, it’s the outpouring of compassion. Unfortunately, this compassion can wane after the fervor fades. Click here for an excellent TED Talk from Robert Thurman on expanding your circle of compassion. The 7-step meditation practice Robert offers is just wonderful.
  • Kirtans Krishna Das is about to release yet another CD of goodness. If you’d like to hear a sneak peek of the upcoming release, click here (scroll down the left-hand side of the page and you’ll see a music player).
  • Yoga Sharing is the latest addition to the yoga community. It’s the yoga community’s version of Facebook and Twitter. You can learn more and join here.
  • You’ve heard of Google but have you heard of Ecosia? Ecosia is an eco-friendly search engine that supports the environment rather than line the pockets of a private company. Ecosia donates money from the sponsored links to save the rainforests (so far over 16 million yards have been saved through Ecosia usage). If you’d like to do good while you search the Internet, click here
  • If you want to deepen your understanding of yoga, there’s a new site that offers a “continuous conversation” through tile workshops and online courses. Up2yoga is affordable — it’s a dollar for the first month and then only $10/month thereafter (the entire year costs less than one-weekend yoga workshop). Courses are offered by qualified teachers such as Scott Blossom, John Friend, Sally Kempton, and Ann Dyer (you can see a calendar of upcoming events here).
  • Deepen your practice, learn, and cultivate health and happiness — all without leaving the comfort of your own home. 

Yogi in Winter

“Let us love winter, for it is the spring of genius.”  ~Pietro Aretino

Chilly temperatures. Less daylight. Snow. For some, the thought of winter makes them want to jump for joy. I’m not one of those people. In fact, this year I was somewhat dreading the start of winter. I’m not a winter sports kind of gal (I prefer things like hiking and kayaking) and I’m a bit of a wuss when it comes to the cold (thank heaven for fleece!!!).

While I know that the seasons change and winter is part of the natural cycle of change, sometimes I still resist it. Luckily the resistance only lasts for a short while, then I start to embrace the chilly season.

Not only do I love having a crackling fire in the fireplace, but I find that the colder days offer me another opportunity as well — to be more productive. There’s just something about the wintertime that inspires me to start new projects.

Maybe it’s that I don’t mind spending more time inside and logging more hours at a desk. Whatever it is, I’m happy to be enjoying — rather than complaining about — winter.

Here are some of the things that I do to accommodate the shift in season — everything from my yoga practice to my lifestyle:

  • Reflect. The desire to slow down my yoga practice is something that happens a fair amount in the wintertime. I hold poses for longer periods. I stop and notice how I’m approaching my practice (whether I’m pushing or backing off). I play with my edge during the poses and notice the effect that it has on my mind and body. I also journal more. I just love sitting by the fire or by candlelight writing in one of my Moleskin notebooks. If you’re looking to slow down your yoga practice, try Insight Yoga with Sarah Powers, and to establish a journaling habit, check out the wonderful book, Life’s Companion: Journal Writing as a Spiritual Quest. Both will help you slow down and become a bit more reflective.
  • Spice it up. I also tend to use more heating spices during the winter. Often I’ll put some fennel and cumin seeds in a few cups of boiling water and sip throughout the day. Click here for a list of heating spices that you can incorporate into your wintertime routine. I also enjoy spicing up my body with this heavenly Cha Cha Chai body lotion.
  • Pause and retreat. If slowing down and hibernating is good enough for bears, it’s good enough for me. Every winter I do an at-home retreat to relax and take stock of where I am in life. If I can’t manage a retreat, I’ll schedule in half day pauses in which I don’t turn on the TV, get on the phone, sit at the computer, or listen to music. I’ll relax in silence. I’ll read, journal, meditate, or hang out in Legs Up the Wall pose. If taking a break and going on a retreat that doesn’t break the bank appeals to you, check out Comfort Queen Jen Louden’s Virtual Retreat (it’s happening in February). For a fraction of the cost of a spa/yoga retreat, you can get all the benefits. All you need is your phone.
  • See the light. I love to practice yoga by candlelight during the winter months. I make my candles do double duty in the winter — not only do I use them for yoga, but I also use them for meditation. I practice Tratak quite a bit during the winter months.

When I look at all the wonderful things I get to do during the winter, somehow the cold and the snow (and the snow shoveling) don’t seem so bad. Here’s to making the most of winter!

Yoga

Hiding Out on the Mat

When I first heard the adage, “How you do one thing is how you do everything,” I was somewhat appalled. I wasn’t buying it.

But it stuck in my head, rattled around and I realized that it’s true. I saw it from a yoga perspective — how I was on the mat was a direct reflection of how I was in the world. This is still true for me.

My yoga practice has changed quite a bit over the past 15 years, but the change has been more drastic these past few years. I’ve sloooooowed things down a lot.

When I started practicing yoga, I was all about flow — fast, non-stop movement. It was like I didn’t want to feel anything — I just wanted to distract myself and keep moving (interestingly enough, I injured myself quite a bit during my fast flow days).

No surprise that at the time, I was living my life in the same fashion. I bustled from one thing to another, so that I wouldn’t have to feel that I was unhappy, unsatisfied, frustrated, and confused. Distraction was the name of the game. I put the pretty label of flow on it, but what I was really doing was hiding (both on the mat and off).

My ego liked the protection that hiding provided. Heck, I got through an entire relationship on hiding.

The thing is, you can’t hide 24/7. It always comes back to bite you in your tight yoga buns whether the it is the relationship that’s depleting you or the job that’s sucking your soul or the habit/pattern that’s running your life into the ground, or the belief that’s holding you back, or the fear that’s dictating your life’s choices.

Those things are right there, underneath the surface and no amount of hiding can cover them up. That quiet moment in the morning while you’re sipping your tea, you feel it. When you wake up for no good reason at 3AM, you feel it. Waiting on line in the grocery store, you feel it. 

It’s amazing to the lengths we’ll go to not feel it: the rushing around, the denial (I was the queen of denial for over a decade and looking back on it, I laugh at how good I was at it.

Yep, I was a gold medalist in denial.), the excuses, the blaming of others, the dropping of good for us habits with the excuse of “I just don’t have time.” I did it all. And my yoga practice reflected that as clearly as a mirror.

It wasn’t until I slowed my yoga practice down that I started to gain some awareness around this (and around what I was hiding from and how I was hiding from it).

My ego cried out that I wasn’t challenging myself enough, that I wasn’t truly practicing yoga, that I was lazy and being soft, that I wasn’t living up to my yoga potential (How’s that for crazy? Yep, my ego is one crafty bitch.). Luckily, my heart knew better.

Years ago, I had an advanced yoga practitioner come in for a yoga therapy session. She’d been practicing yoga for years and was extremely flexible. I had her come into Pigeon Pose slowly and hang out in it for a while. WHOA — she got mighty uncomfortable.

She started talking about how she wasn’t feeling anything and that it felt weird to be in the pose when it wasn’t doing anything for her.

She kept up a stream of dialogue for a few minutes emphasizing that she wasn’t feeling anything and wanted to come out of the pose.

I could feel how uncomfortable she was getting. Interesting considering she kept saying that she wasn’t feeling anything. Not feeling anything or feeling too much?

Pigeon Pose is actually one of my favorites. When I’ve got a lot going on in my life, I go to Pigeon like it’s my best friend. I even do something that I never really do in my yoga practice — I set a timer so that I can’t flake out of the pose when it starts getting intense.

The last few weeks I’ve been overwhelmed — in the good way. I’ve been floored by all of the good that’s been happening for me (what a “problem” to have, eh?).

People and things have been showing up left and right. I’ve been given a lot of gifts in many forms. I’ve been loved in a deeper way than I have before. Even though it’s all wonderful, it’s all feeling so intense. Funny how such good things can feel like something that we want to shy away from. 

It’s like Pigeon Pose for me — I get in it and feel the intensity ramp up. I hit a point when I want to come out, using the excuse that my body has had enough.

Yet I know that’s not the case and that if I give it some time, the feelings will change into something entirely different.

To assuage myself, I’ll come up onto my elbows to take some of the potential physical harm out of it (I just do this to calm my brain which is screaming that my body is going to hurt itself).

But I stay. I stay and I feel. I choose to not hide. And the more I do this on the mat, the more I do it in life. I stop checking out and making excuses and hiding behind others and hiding from myself and my feelings. 

When I find myself wanting to speed my yoga practice up, it’s a sure sign that I’m heading for cover. That’s when I slow things down even more. I sink in and I let myself feel what’s going on — in all of its uncomfortable glory. I don’t want to my yoga buns to be bitten in quiet early morning hours or in the middle of the night or in the check out line at the grocery store or any other time. I want to uncover it and feel it voluntarily as opposed to it bubbling up because it can only be forced down for so long. 

So, my fellow yoga practitioners, I ask you — are you hiding? How are you doing it? Look at your yoga practice and consider the possibility that you might be practicing in a specific way so that you can avoid feeling something that you just don’t want to feel. And know that you can choose to not hide anymore.

Well…I’m off to set that timer and hang out in Pigeon for a few minutes.

Yoga

The Everything Yoga Blog Holiday Gift Guide

Happy holiday season everyone!

Gee, some deep breathing, bending and stretching and BAMMO — time fast forwards to holiday gift guide time once again.

Here are the things that have caught my fancy this past year.

Throughout the year I get a lot of pitches for inclusion into the gift guide but the joy of having a blog is that it’s not about advertising but personal opinion.

Here are my personal recommendations for unusual, fun — and useful — gifts for the holidays:

WildBath — I love supporting entrepreneurs/local businesses/homegrown businesses, so it’s no surprise WildBath has become a favorite of mine. I love, love, love the exfoliating shower whips. They come in delightful scents, last a long time and are priced right. 

Lavanila — These scented deodorant, fragrance and body products are a bit pricey, but I love the scents. When I’m feeling like a splurge, I head to Lavanila products. 

Kaliana — With a tagline like “Turn on your happy,” how can you not love this company? Kaliana’s natural healing products are offered in mists, body oils, and supplements and come in the following formulas: comfort, confidence, stress relief, healing, calm, and joy. I use the mists and supplements and absolutely love them!

Melanie’s Magical Mermaid Mist — And speaking of mists, I also love this formulation, which combines oxytocin and essential oils for a complete joy-inducing experience. I use this mist everyday (sometimes more than once because I love the scent so much).

Desert Alchemy — If you’re a fan of flower essences, I recommend Desert Alchemy. The formulations are excellent and the shipping is super speedy.

Dr. Singha’s Muscle Rub — Get a little too down in your Downward Dog? If your muscles are crying out for a little TLC, I recommend Dr. Singha’s Muscle Rub. I found this formulation when I went to a spa last Spring and I’ve been using it ever since. I like to buy it from Vitacost.com because the price is so low. It’s the perfect gift for either yourself or someone else to make the muscles go AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Alvera All-Natural Deodorant — After years of trying every natural deodorant on the market, I was so disgusted that I went back to regular ole deodorant. I wasn’t happy about it, but I was happy that I was using a deodorant that was effective.

Then by accident, I found Alvera. It’s all-natural, it’s cheap, and it works!

Finally, the search is over — effective deodorant that I feel safe putting on my body. Again, I like to buy it from Vitacost.com because it’s so cheap. 

Omtique — I know — another online store for yoga clothing. Boring, right? Well, I just adore Omtique’s adorable socks, which showcase a yogini in Triangle Pose. These socks are the perfect stocking stuffer for your favorite yoga practitioner.

Wei of Chocolate — My friend recommended these chocolates to me last Winter and I’ve been indulging ever since.

These yummy chocolates are infused with spices, herbs, and flower essences and they are actually good for you as they are made from dark chocolate (they are also vegan, gluten and soy free, organic, and fair trade) that is 65-74% cacao. I tend to get the assortment because I love all of the flavors.

Yogi — This particular yoga clothing retailer offers stylish and comfy clothes that go from yoga studio to street. 

Yummi Yogi — I happen to think that cookie cutters in the shape of yoga postures is pretty darned adorable but what I really like about Yummi Yogi are the inspiration/ideas offered on the web site for using these cookie cutters in a variety of ways.

Nope, it’s not just cookies but everything from pumpkin carving guide to paper ornaments to hostess gift. 

The Mystic Masala Aromatic Malas — Malas make great gifts so I was delighted to find these scented malas from The Mystic Masala. Each mala features semi-precious stones and scents to coordinate with each Dosha. 

Buddhist Boot Camp — I have an overabundance of T-shirts, but these cute Tees from Buddhist Boot Camp made me want to buy one anyway. These Tees are emblazoned with the saying, “Sit Happens.” When I discovered these, it was a true LOL moment for me. I couldn’t resist buying one.

Yoga in India —  If traveling to India to study yoga is on your wish list this year, you might want to check out this guide, Yoga in India: A Journey to the Top 24 Yoga Places. The book conveniently comes in all formats from hardcopy to PDF to eReader format. It’s the perfect guide to ashrams and yoga centers in India.

Books — Yes, I’m a total book freak. Often I buy too many books and have to create a prioritized reading list to get to them all. Here are my favorites of the year thus far:

Etsy — As I’ve already mentioned, I love Etsy. Here are a few of my favorite Etsy shops: Spademan Pottery, Madelynn Cassin Designs, Alkemia Perfumes, Gaia Conceptions, Outiart, and Tickle Me Pink Boutique.   

Ahhh, my work is done here. You’re free to shop to your heart’s content. Seriously, though — may you have more joy than stress this holiday season. May you enjoy the moments rather than struggle to create the perfect moment.

And when all else fails, BREATHE. Here’s a little soft belly meditation for you to keep you centered and happy this holiday season.

Yoga

The Joy of Never Getting There

“…I have been running so sweaty my whole life
Urgent for a finish line
And I have been missing the rapture this whole time of being forever incomplete

Ever unfolding
Ever expanding
Ever adventurous
And torturous
And never done…”

–Excerpted from Alanis Morissette’s Incomplete

When I was new to the practice of yoga, I watched people in class executing more advanced poses like Headstand and found myself wanting to get there — to that place where I could effortlessly extend my body into Headstand, balanced perfectly for as long as I desired to stay in the pose.

The first time I attended a weekend-long workshop, I checked off beginner to the skill level question but I found my mind drifting with great enthusiasm to the day that I could check off intermediate/advanced.

I wanted…more. I wanted to get somewhere. I wanted to be able to define myself in a certain way. I wanted a certain skill. I wanted specific knowledge.

I wanted some sort of societal ideal. I wanted to get to some sort of final destination in my head that promised nirvana and everlasting peace and fulfillment.

The funny thing about all of this wanting is what happens when wanting becomes having. Not a whole heck of a lot. I can remember one training in particular — I had been working towards completion for a little over a year.

I had worked hard and devoted myself to the work involved in completing the training. I had written numerous papers, spoken to my mentor once per week for 8 months straight, completed dozens of assignments and tests and videos and nerve-wracking evaluations.

When I reached the home stretch I found myself feeling anything but elated. I felt sad. I didn’t want the training to end.

I didn’t care about the nifty, suitable-for-framing course completion certificate. I didn’t want to be done. It was the unfolding that I wanted more of.

Of course that’s the whole crux of it — we’re never done (what would be the fun in that?). There’s always another certification or finish line or yoga posture to conquer or relationship to be had or income level to reach or thing to acquire. It’s like the donkey chasing the carrot on the string phenomenon.

Oh we try on our yoga mat and on our meditation cushion to be here now and quench the desire to get there, but that brain of ours is always chasing the next thing (or person, for that matter).

These past 3 years I did something that shocked some folks in my life — I dismantled just about all of the things I had built/achieved/chased for much of my life. Some would say this is a terrifying time in my life. I say it’s exciting, real, perfect…and I wouldn’t change it for anything.

It’s undefineable, and I suppose that’s what makes it uncomfortable. Just the other day I was discussing this with a close friend. I was asked when I would be building up the very thing that I had just torn down. I laughed — “What’s the rush?

Why must I replace something right away or jump back into something immediately?” My friend replied, “No rush…it’s just…don’t you feel like there are a lot of loose ends right now? Don’t you want the same thing you had before, just better? It’s so up in the air. Don’t you want to know how it’s going to turn out?

Don’t you want something solid?” Again, I laughed. The truth is that I already had solid and firmly tied ends and it didn’t even come close to being the right thing for me. It was wrongness disguised as solid, achievement, safety.

I was “there” — that mythical place where everything feels safe and rainbows are lighting up the sky and unicorns are prancing about. Funny how I was unhappy “there.” You’d think those cute little unicorns would have ensured my happiness but…

Seriously though — “there” is an illusion. Once you get there you realize there’s another there over the horizon. Or when you’re “there” you realize that “there” doesn’t feel how you thought it would. Perhaps “there” doesn’t suit you at all. It certainly didn’t live up to its high standards.

All the rushing to get there, all of them wanting to know how it’s going to turn out, all of the driving need to solidify what’s happening — it doesn’t amount to much. Often it doesn’t live up to expectation. Most often it leaves you with a niggling feeling that something is missing, that there’s more out “there.”

Right now I’m so far from “there,” it’s laughable. And now that I’m here, I can finally, as Alanis says, enjoy the rapture of being incomplete. Yes, it’s scary in that there are no clearly defined spaces — it’s all undefined and incomplete.

Yes, it’s intense. And you know what else it is? It’s aliveness personified. I’ll take alive over complete (or the illusion of completeness) any day.

Now that I have all of these loose ends, I realize that “I have been missing the rapture this whole time of being forever incomplete.”

And I also find myself not caring about executing Headstands or checking the intermediate/advanced skill level box.

Funny, eh?

Yoga

Taken

I’m in a bit of a Tofurkey coma (I think I’m on protein overload) but I just couldn’t let this day pass without a little blogging.

This morning I combined my favorite Thanksgiving Day tradition — a walk in the woods — with another favorite daily activity of mine — yoga.

It was a warm, beautiful, sunny day here, and being in nature always makes me grateful to be alive, so I started this day off with some nature and yoga in nature time.

As I walked in the woods, I reflected upon the last year of my life, utterly amazed at all of the wonderful things, people, events, and circumstances that have shown up.

I breathed deeply and gave thanks with every step I took, reminded of the fact that every step I’ve taken this past year has led me here — to this perfect spot.

I am thankful, yes, that’s for sure. I try to live in gratitude, knowing that whatever shows up is always perfect.

This isn’t always easy and it can be challenging to not default to ungrateful, whiney thoughts.

But if there’s one thing I’ve learned this past year, it’s the value of letting yourself be taken.

While walking on the trail today, I let myself be taken by nature. I dropped the thoughts in my head and surrendered to the sights, sounds, and scents around me.

I let myself be taken by my yoga practice.

There was a point where I was moving and it seemed as if the yoga was doing me rather than the other way around. I could feel my breath initiating and supporting the movement. I was completely taken.

My life isn’t much different.

Oh, yes, I have those times I want to muscle it because I want something to work out a certain way. I get attached to thoughts or people or circumstances. Then I remember to let life make love to me. All I need to do is allow myself to be taken.

Today is a day of gratitude, yes. There’s a lot of talk about the importance of gratitude.

I wholeheartedly agree. I think allowing yourself to be taken is important too.

I know, I know — all of this “let life make love to me” and “taken” stuff seems like the ramblings of a protein overload (and don’t forget to throw in sugar overload as well — damn, but that pumpkin cheesecake was delicious!), but I speak from experience here on the joy of being taken.

When you’re in the moment, fully BE in that moment. When you’re practicing yoga, breathe and move and yet the yoga fully inhabit your body.

When you’re out in nature (or making love or playing with your children or snuggling with your dog or [insert personal scenario here]), let yourself be taken, fully engaged, present, surrendered to the love and beauty of the experience. If you do that, you can’t help but feel gratitude.

It will swell up inside of you without you even having to try or write up a gratitude list. My greatest Thanksgiving wish is for you to be taken.

I also want to thank each and every one of you and let you know that I am grateful for you! I am grateful for the fact that you read my yoga-related ramblings.

I am grateful that you take the time to comment. I am grateful that you forward posts to friends or subscribe to my feed. I am grateful that every now and again something I write moves you or inspires you or helps you.

Thank you!

And in the spirit of the holiday, here are two short videos for you:

Words of Gratitude

and here’s a cautionary tale about gratitude: http://www.youtube.com/embed/U1F1m-hRcWE

And, because food is somewhat central to this holiday, here are some yummy vegetarian recipes. Yum! Leftovers, anyone?

Happy Thanksgiving! May you be thankful, may you give, may you be taken.

Namaste!