OmGirl Clothing

So far my experience with OmGirl is limited, but very happy!  I recently purchased their Asana Bra and Nomad Legging, both in Organic cotton.  The bra was a little overpriced (who sees a sweaty sports bra anyways?)  The pants, however, were worth every penny.  They feel and fit amazing and I like how they come in basic sizes: S, M, and L.  There's a little wiggle room in each direction.

I ordered both items through www.barefootyoga.com .  This is a great website and they are constantly having sales.  I can see both of my purchases are now 25% off. 

Sometimes Barefoot's sizes/colors are limited, so check out Amazon as well.

Even if you don't do Yoga (yet), these are good walking or lounging pants!

Namaste

Back Tension RELEASE

Hours in front of the computer, long commutes, these are all things that while they might contribute to our productivity, do not contribute to back health!  A really easy and relaxing way to release tight back muscles is with the use of a Yoga block.  A Yoga block has three different heights and is very useful as a Yoga prop.  To use it as a Back release, all you need is 10 minutes and a place for you to lay down!

First, lay down.
Second, Put your feet on the ground (obviously you will need to bend your knees for this. : ) )
Make sure your knees and feet are hip-width apart.
Raise your tail bone, and place the block horizontally underneath your tail bone.
Then, relax your tail bone onto the block and spread your arms out (like they are wings.)
Keep the height of the block here, or turn it on it's shortest side for some more height.  Either keep your knees bent, or if you don't feel too much pressure in your back - straighten them out!
Relax and think about "melting" into the ground.  Do this for 7-10 minutes.

I've attached links to two different blocks I find useful.  You can pay for back massage tools that rarely get used, or try to beg a friend to give you a back massage, or use a Yoga block to relax your back all on your own!

Cheers!

Why Yoga?

Why Yoga?  What does Yoga have to offer and what are its benefits?  What IS Yoga?

These are questions you might be thinking about, seeing a blog dedicated completely to Yoga!

For a general description (borrowing from the never-ending knowledge of Wikipedia), Yoga is a physical, spiritual, and mental discipline, originating in modern India, with the goal of attainment of a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility.  Ok, so that all sounds wonderful, but our individual Yoga goals may be different!

I think Yoga is best defined in terms of it's literal Sanskrit meaning, "to yoke" or "to unify."  This can be thought of in terms of yoking the physical, spiritual, and mental self together for a better functioning "whole self."  I think we can all agree that when one aspect of our Self is not functioning optimally, or suffering in some way, the rest of our Self suffers as well.  A concrete example would be those suffering from a clinical case of Depression will experience physical maladies and pains as well.

Anyways, to me, "to yoke" also touches on the physical practice of yoga.  Yoga is about constantly "yoking", or pulling and aligning our bodies into postures.  Yoking our bodies increases blood flow to important organs, as well as increases flexibility, mobility, and strength!

So far I have introduced more what Yoga is about; more important is the question of what Yoga has to offer.  I think this answer is unique to each individual who practices, as we all may have our own motivations and goals within our yoga practice.  So, I will share some of the benefits Yoga has given me, specifically, and I think this will answer the question of WHY Yoga.

We so often are rushing around in busy lives and busy schedules that I think it is very easy and maybe almost inevitable to develop a sort of disconnect with our physical bodies.  We might run, lift weights, participate in sports, or anything which engages our physical body - our muscles, our heart rate, etc.  I grew up playing sports and have run consistently for the past 10 years.  However, none of these activities have put me in connection with my physical body like Yoga has.  Now I can control and engage stomach muscles I didn't even know I had, and have gained a deeper connection with the "flow," or movement of my body.

In a nutshell, this has all led me to feeling more connected, and comfortable in my body.  My arms feel strong, they are stronger, and (lucky me) they look stronger!  Gaining this strength has also been fulfilling is its connection to the rest of my body.  (Arm strength in yoga develops quickly from "Chaturangas," involving the movement of the whole body, unlike standing bicep curls at the gym.)

That only answers a part of WHY yoga, the rest of the WHY I am still waiting to find out.  I hope you continue, (or begin!) exploring how yoga benefits you and WHY Yoga? for you.  Lastly, I hope you continue to read and gain from my experiences as well!  For those of you who are beginning to practice, Gaiam is one of my favorite yoga brands for yoga supplies, and Amazon has a huge number of their products.  I've attached links to a great yoga tool - the Yoga mat!  These are good prices for a great mat.

Namaste!