A Touch Of Nature – Snapshot by Milana
December 28, 2010 by noreen
Filed under Artists Showcase
As part of our Artists Showcase features, here are some beautiful captures of nature by photographer Milana:
Lilies
Orchids
Violet Beauty
Touch of Switzerland
Brought to you by www.yogacarashop.com, lifestyle clothing line inspired by color and yoga.
The Health Benefits of Yoga
December 20, 2010 by noreen
Filed under Yoga and You
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This article is brought to you by YogacaraShop.com – your source for special Yoga Apparel, yoga inspired clothing, comfort clothing clothing designed according to the Colors of the Chakras and the best trendy, high quality and comfortable Fitness Apparel do visit YogacaraShop.com
Inspirational Moments In Time – Snapshots By Milana
November 28, 2010 by noreen
Filed under Artists Showcase
As part of our Artists Showcase features, here are some memorable and inspirational moments in time captured by photographer Milana:
Sea & Sky In Harmony
Violet Bloom
Now
Moscow
Taking in Zurich
Brought to you by www.yogacarashop.com, lifestyle clothing line inspired by color and yoga.
More Extreme Yoga Poses
November 27, 2010 by noreen
Filed under Featured, Yoga and You
With the hit of our previous Extreme Yoga Poses posts (click here if you missed them), we decided to bring you even more advanced yoga poses that look a little extreme, yet make yoga so damn cool-
photo by Ron Sombilon Gallery on flickr
photo by lululemon athletica on flickr
photo by Ron Sombilon Gallery on flickr
photo by Luke Robinson on flickr
photo by Ron Sombilon Gallery on flickr
photo by YoGeek Mami on flickr
photo by Ron Sombilon Gallery on flickr
photo by Alicia J. Rose on flickr
photo by Ron Sombilon Gallery on flickr
photo by theloushe on flickr
See more:
Extreme Yoga Poses
Extreme Yoga Poses- 2
15 Ways To Keep Your Soul Alive (Part 2)
November 10, 2010 by noreen
Filed under Inspired Living
‘Soul Food’ for thought
If you missed part one of this post- Click Here
Begin to see yourself as a soul with a body rather than a body with a soul. -Wayne Dyer
Here are some more ways to nourish and keep your soul alive:-
6. Pray
Whatever your religion, whatever your beliefs. Say a little prayer, not only for yourself, but for your loved ones. Composing the words into a prayer helps align your soul with the loving presence of something or someone much greater than us. It’s comforting and that in the moment it will reminds you that you not alone in the universe, that no matter how you feel, you are truly loved and blessed.
7. Connect with your loved ones
Call friends, family or acquaintances and ask how they are. Tell your child, parents, spouse or special person that you love them. Spend time with the people you love Now! Don’t put it off for later. No one on their death bed ever says that they wish they spent more time at work. There are not too many things in life that enrich the soul more than spending time with the people you love. Deepening your connections with loved ones strengthens your soul and through these actions you can create a powerful force in the world that will help combat fear and loneliness.
8. Find the silver lining
There will be times and days in your life when the sun doesn’t shine. Find that silver lining and dance anyway. Don’t let your soul get drawn into the dark, find it a spot it can shine and you’ll see how it takes over and lightens up everything else.
9. Live in the moment
Forget about the past and don’t worry about the future. The soul only knows the now….relish the moment you’re living in. Welcome each day a new beginning, a new chance to make the most out of it. Living in the present will keep you focused on what is truly important.
10. Laugh
Laughter is indeed the best medicine…for your soul. You can literally laugh yourself to peace of mind and well-being. Mentally, emotionally and physically. Laughter soothes the mind, heals the heart, enlivens the soul, uplifts the spirit and aids in regeneration by oxygenating the blood and increasing circulation, so impacts even your body. Laugh so it explodes through your whole body. Laugh with the whole of your soul! (Read: Laughter Meditation)
11. Banish negativity
The wrong relationships and things can be very toxic for your soul and mind, sapping all your energy and making you listless. Get rid of your emotional baggage by cutting out people who make you feel hurt, insecure and worthless. Stop doing things and avoid places that bring you down and experiences that are unfulfilling. Surround yourself with positive thoughts and strong, healthy relationships. Positivity nourishes the soul to no extent.
12. Fuel your soul with hearty food
Most people wouldn’t use substandard fuel in their cars but will put all sorts of rubbish in their own system.The truth of the matter is you are what you eat and it applies to not just your body but your soul too. Restricting yourself 24/7 and not enjoying what fuels you and brings you nutrition doesn’t do much for your soul. Soul food in the literal sense is what makes you feel good inside. It’s a hearty meal and not a carrot stick that’ll give you an energy burst, mood lift and spring in your step. That doesn’t mean overeating or eating unhealthy all the time. It means it’s ok to given in every now and then, even if it’s not helping your diet, it’s nourishing your soul. Find a balance between the two.
13. Add a spring in your step
Put in that extra effort to put a spring in your step in this journey called life. Whistle when you walk, hum or sing when you work, crack a joke to ease the tension…whatever make you happy. Do it. Get active, inactivity leads to lethargy and feeling worse. Keeping your mind active and sharp is a great way to uplift the soul.
14. Live on the edge
Live outside the box, in fact just throw the box away! The soul thrives with excitement, it’s always looking for new possibilities beyond the already known, safe and comfortable. Don’t limit yourself when nothing is impossible.
15. Don’t neglect your soul again
Neglecting your soul is what brought you to this point in the first place. Pay attention to your soul more than you do your appearance, listen to it, nourish it, feed it and you’ll find more happiness and satisfaction in your life than ever before. More importantly you’ll feel ALIVE!
Read more about your Divine Soul Plan.
This article is brought to you by YogacaraShop.com – your source for special Yoga Apparel, yoga inspired clothing, comfort clothing clothing designed according to the Colors of the Chakras and the best trendy, high quality and comfortable Fitness Apparel do visit YogacaraShop.com
*Image Credits: photos by izahorsky, Ross Catrow on flickr
15 Ways To Keep Your Soul Alive (Part 1)
November 8, 2010 by noreen
Filed under Featured, Inspired Living
‘Soul Food’ for thought
With the world becoming more and more material everyday, it’s easy to get lost in the mix of things. Today, we invest so much time on our appearance and our physical selves, worrying every minute of the day what everyone else will think of us and how successful we can be in the rat-race called life. It’s amazing how the human brain can be programmed to achieve with or without emotion. We’re becoming more like machines functioning, but not really living and feeling and enjoying! We ignore our souls, our inner selves, the core of our beings that keeps us feeling alive and in tune with the universe (or God).
“Why do you hasten to remove anything which hurts your eye, while if something affects your soul you postpone the cure until next year?” -Horace
If you’ve ever felt “stuck”, or felt that nothing seems to flow in your life, that is a sign of your soul seeking your attention. If you are doing good, but still don’t feel that sense of joy from deep inside yourself, then it’s time for you to stop, step back and invest time to do some soul searching. If you want to increase your happiness and satisfaction in life, you need to do more than just doing – you need to start ‘living’- you need to nourish your soul!
“When you do things from your soul you feel a river moving in you, a joy. When action comes from another section, the feeling disappears.” -Jalal ad-Din Rumi
Here are 20 ways to nourish your soul and keep it alive:-
1. Get in touch with nature
Nature is the soul’s lifeline. Our souls are deeply rooted in nature and have a strong connection with its energy. Spend time in the natural world and allow yourself to connect with all living things. Just simply walk barefoot on a beach, or in a garden, dip your toes in a pond, step out in the rain…re-connect with nature in any way you want. Just focus on your skin touching nature and you’ll feel your body connecting with the body of the earth. You’ll feel the energy of the earth flowing into you and revitalizing your spirit. Connecting with nature is one of the best ways of nourishing your soul.
When I admire the wonders of a sunset or the beauty of the moon, my soul expands in the worship of the creator. -Mahatma Gandhi
2. Give thanks
Write down all the things to be thankful for in your life. It’ll help you truly appreciate the people, things and experiences in your life. Keep it going through the day, week, month…and when you’re having a rough time…read it, share it, shout it! Living in a state of gratitude make you appreciate life a lot more and make the most of it.
3. Breathe
By breathe I don’t mean the bodily function that we unconsciously perform to keep our body alive, I mean really “Breathe!”. Let the air fill not just your lungs but seep into your soul and bring with it renewed life force. It doesn’t take so much and you can do it any time, anywhere! Several deep breaths can help you to calm, de-stress and relax.
4. Embrace Silence
It’s hard to hear your inner voice amidst all the noise. Figure out a way to introduce some silent time in your day. You’ll hear the soul’s whisper, it’ll guide you through life. You just have to pay close attention. Ask yourself questions…and in the stillness and silence the answers will come to you.
5. Meditate
Similar to the last point but taking it a bit further is meditation. Meditation isn’t easy to perfect, but it cane be practiced and will still enrich your life tremendously. According to the principles of yoga, meditation is the art of silencing the mind. The ultimate goal is to have a mind completely free of thoughts. It is about consciousness and being fully aware of ourselves and our thought process. As little as ten or fifteen minute spent in this state a day will help you find inner peace and bring balance your mind and soul. (Read: The Key To Meditation)
Continued in… 15 Ways To Keep Your Soul Alive (Part 2)
Read more about your Divine Soul Plan.
*Image Credits: Photos by eqqman, Chiot’s Run, /eye.contact!, rubyblossom on flickr
Make Yoga Your Lifestyle Not Just A Workout Session
November 7, 2010 by noreen
Filed under Yoga and You
One of the great things about yoga is whoever you are- young or old, fit or out of shape, working or stay at home, man, woman or child, you can make it a lifestyle rather than just a one hour session in your day. Yoga isn’t something that has to only take place at certain locations and certain times. Part of the joy and benefits of yoga is that you can apply it to make your daily life easier, more pleasurable and stress-free where ever you are and what ever you are doing.
It’s easy to fall for the notion that you need the right yoga props, the fancy yoga apparel and the perfect atmosphere to practice yoga. But that shouldn’t be the case at all. True practice of yoga needs none of the ‘bells and whistles’ it is always portrayed with. All it needs is a sense of willingness and openness and some basic knowledge of its techniques and poses.
Stressed at work?
- It’s probably inappropriate for you to kick your shoes off, lay down your yoga mat and attempt a full-fledged yoga session at your work place. However, a few simple stretches and some controlled breathing can restore your equilibrium and help ease your stresses of the working day. Several simple warm-up exercises from your yoga class, like head & neck rolls, shoulder shrugging, stretching the arms and flexing the fingers and feet, are perfect for the workplace and can easily be done sitting in your office chair or standing up. A simple forward bend using your chair back, to relieve a stiff back from sitting or standing for a long time is a good and fairly discreet yoga pose, that will also help boost your circulation and re-energize a sluggish body and mind. Yoga eye exercises too can help rest your eyes especially if you spend long hours in front of a computer screen.
Applying yoga to your everyday life will automatically improve your posture when you sit and in turn help in reducing those tiresome aches and pains. Soon after you make it a habit, you won’t even be consciously putting the effort into practicing stretches, sitting correctly and breathing relaxed where ever you are.
Are you a mother overwhelmed at home?
- If you’re a stay at home mom or a working one doing the whole multi-tasking with managing the kids, home and not to forget husband…then it does happen to get overwhelming at times. I find that after a busy morning of getting everything going with breakfast, packing the kids’ lunches, getting them ready and off to school, I need a few moments for myself. I put my mat in the middle of the living room or in the backyard if the weather is good and lay down for a good 10 minutes just relaxing and clearing my mind. After a few yoga stretches and I find myself forgetting about everything but my yoga poses. I usually spend an hour doing this regularly and feel my mind is completely calm, my body refreshed and re-energized, ready to take on the rest of the day. Whenever something in the day starts getting to me, I take a minute – do my yoga breathing or a stretch and suddenly I have the patience to cope with my two year old’s temper tantrum in a busy supermarket.
Don’t let “I don’t have enough time” become your theme song. Make the time and if you can’t do it at home, join a class and trust me it’ll give you the serenity of mind to cope with the wear and tear of daily life.
Going on a trip?
- Yoga on the move! Ease the tension in your back and shoulders with a few roadside yoga stretches, on your long roadtrip. Or try a few travelers twists after sitting in a cramped aircraft for a while. Whether you are on the move or on a vacation, take a few minutes to practice a little yoga, maybe even just sit quiet and try and find that inner peace within yourself and you’ll see just how much a difference it can make in your life.
Yoga is a Lifestyle, Yoga is Everywhere, Yoga is You!
Related Posts:
Enhance Your Creativity With Your Yogic Practice
Boost Your Energy with Yoga
Nourishing Yoga: Body, Mind and Spirit
Yogic Eating- Food For the Body, That Nourishes the Soul
The Health Benefits of Yoga
This article is brought to you by YogacaraShop.com – your source for special Yoga Apparel, yoga inspired clothing, comfort clothing clothing designed according to the Colors of the Chakras and the best trendy, high quality and comfortable Fitness Apparel do visit YogacaraShop.com
*Image credits: photos by Jenica26, myyogaonline and lululemon athletica on flickr
Poem: The Spiderwoman – Part I
November 2, 2010 by noreen
Filed under Artists Showcase
“The Spiderwoman – Part I”
by Bob Almodovar
___________
Her beauty pulled at me like tentacles hooked
to my breast, reeling me in closer, my skin
tearing as I resisted her entrancing gaze
with feeble attempts.
I turned my head away for a second only to
feel her radiance on my cheek, stinging my
face like cheap cologne. Our eyes locking,
she punctured my armor with a subtle smile.
My breath quickened as I moved nearer,
watching her cross her legs to reveal luscious
thighs beneath her red silk dress. I swallowed
deeply as I entered her sphere of influence.
There was no turning back.
My heart pumped in my throat as I moved in
for the kill, the sweat rolling down my back.
Her smile waned slightly as I leaned towards
her, asking, “Do we know each other?”. “I
don’t believe so”, she said coldly, “I thought
you were someone else.”
Uncrossing her legs, she promptly arose and
headed for the Ladies Room. With mouth agape,
I stood and watched her go, as fifty eyes
examined the battle site for casualties. I
had taken one in the ego and was sinking fast.
All I could hope for was to reach homeport
quickly, to close these open wounds. But, I
promise that the next time I meet the
Spiderwoman, victory will be mine.
This poem is brought to you by YogacaraShop.com – your source for special Yoga Apparel, yoga inspired clothing, comfort clothing clothing designed according to the Colors of the Chakras and the best trendy, high quality and comfortable Fitness Apparel do visit YogacaraShop.com
Poem: The Spiderwoman – Part II
November 2, 2010 by noreen
Filed under Artists Showcase
“The Spiderwoman – Part II”
by Bob Almodovar
___________
The night was young and yet the blow was
struck that drew first blood and said to all
that love wars raged on.
She stood alone, cheeks flushed like beets,
and faced the looking glass. Wasn’t long ago
that soccer sons took precedence, but now,
a red silk dress, much tighter than she’d hoped.
How quickly life can turn about: a found note,
unexplained receipts, and a marriage is lost.
So now a pounding heart, an opening line,
and the dating game begins.
The silent stares watched every move, as she
walked back to her seat. And whispers then replaced
the stares, much louder than the music played.
Deterred she was not, for this was life to be from
this day on.
On deep inhale, she scanned the room, while
at the bar, her target stood. With wounded hopes,
he downed a draft, then another for the road. As
if entranced, he caught her gaze and took a moment
to compose.
With long slow strides, towards her he moved, heart
peering from her throat. So tense her face, she could
not smile, as he moved so ever close. Her ruby lips
swelled with nervous anticipation.
Within a few feet, forward he leaned, “Hey Joe”, smiling
he said. “Say Jack, how’s things”, replied the voice behind.
“It’s all good”, he answered, “It’s all good “, glancing at her.
With a wink he turned and made his escape as
she watched amazed, humiliation dripping from her cheeks,
and grinning faces reflected on her glass.
Her pride in ruins, she dashed for sanctuary in the Ladies
Room. He eluded the sting of The Spiderwoman this time,
and dealt her a telling blow. But, when next they meet,
both will be ready.
This poem is brought to you by YogacaraShop.com – your source for special Yoga Apparel, yoga inspired clothing, comfort clothing clothing designed according to the Colors of the Chakras and the best trendy, high quality and comfortable Fitness Apparel do visit YogacaraShop.com
Poem: The Spiderwoman – Part III
November 1, 2010 by noreen
Filed under Artists Showcase
“The Spiderwoman – Part III”
by Bob Almodovar
___________
It’s been too many nights in too many bistros,
downing drafts like liquid manna, purging that
image of the Spiderwoman from my very soul,
with failed attempts.
I still envision her luminous gaze beckoning
to me from across the room, like a lighthouse
in a dense fog, guiding me safely home to her
breast.
If not for this self-important, pride-ridden ego,
that struck that blow, that won the battle, that lost
the war, I might now find myself immersed in the
sweet wine liquid of her eyes.
And across town, a lone figure sat and nursed a
drink in silence, as man after man approached
with the usual hellos, and a “hey beautiful” or two,
that drew a vapid smile and a stare a hundred
miles long.
Though she was wounded from their last encounter,
he had taken residence in her thoughts, and tugged
gently at her heart. Though suitors she lacked not,
a man with self-regard, as he, would serve to
spark her life.
And having pride of her own, she had not returned
to where last they had encountered. To her, he was a
strong warrior. To him, she was a worthy opponent.
They could not stay away for too much longer.
And, as if by magic, a tall figure pushed open the
door and headed for the bar. The Spiderwoman,
in an instant, turned and focused her laser-like gaze
on the man. It was Jack.
Clutching the stein in one hand, and leaning on the
other, I felt a hot sting on my neck that yanked my
head around. There she was, more seductive than ever.
This time she will be mine, on my own terms.
This poem is brought to you by YogacaraShop.com – your source for special Yoga Apparel, yoga inspired clothing, comfort clothing clothing designed according to the Colors of the Chakras and the best trendy, high quality and comfortable Fitness Apparel do visit YogacaraShop.com
