I’ve been thinking a lot lately about karma, death, rebirth, samsara – all of that stuff. I feel like we’re on a constant chase in life. I’m so guilty of it too. I constantly catch myself saying things like, “I’ll be happy when…” Even though I know I have the choice to be happy all of the time, it’s really… View Post
Practicing With Pain: Finding The Balance Of Effort & Comfort
I know I know, I’m sick of seeing articles about yoga and pain too! It seems like everyone has a strong opinion on how to practice when you’re feeling pain in yoga practice. Some teachers say that you should never feel pain and to rest, and others say pain is normal and to continue practice. I’m sure this has to do with… View Post
Some Things To Make You Smile
Hi Everyone! I hope you’ve been having a great week. I’ve been in St. Louis for a few days just visiting family, which has been amazing and emotional. I’m really going to miss them, but I am excited to get back to my kitty, Oliver. I’m also excited to see what’s going on with the Mourning Doves that have been… View Post
Roasted Brussel Sprouts & Leeks – Thanksgiving & Channukkah 2013
Hi Everyone! Thanksgiving was last week, and since I’m the vegetarian in the family, I have the job of making veggie side dish. Maybe it’s the season, but for some reason, all I could think about was brussel sprouts, so that’s what I decided to make. When I mentioned this to my friends, I actually got some dirty looks because… View Post
Oil Pull With Me! Here’s how…
Hey Everyone, Have you heard of oil pulling? When I describe it to you, you’re probably going to cringe a little, but just keep reading because I promise it gets better! It’s actually pretty cool and I have a feeling you’ll reconsider and rock out with me on this for two weeks. I say two weeks because that’s how long… View Post
Interview With Kyle Roberts: Balancing Your Life Through Ayurveda
I’m always fascinated to hear natural ways to stay healthy and balanced, and even more excited when I get to experience it working. I met Kyle Roberts in 2011 and have kept in touch with him over the years about how to keep my life in balance using Ayurveda. He has been a great help and resource, so I was excited to… View Post
How To Make A Vision Board Work For You – Monica Style…
One of the assignments during my Yoga Apprenticeship was to put together a vision board. I’ll be the first to admit, when I found out we had to do this, I thought it seemed silly. But I showed up, and I’m glad I did. I purchased a bunch of magazines and crafty things like markers and pastels. I had no idea what I was going… View Post
Learn the Ashtanga Yoga Opening Mantra With Me
What does the Ashtanga Yoga Opening Mantra Mean? Why do we chant before practice? It begins: I pray to the lotus feet of the supreme guruWho teaches knowledge, awakening the great happiness of the self-revealed The supreme Guru represents the practice, God, The Divine, or The Universe – whatever you call it. God is not used as a religious term… View Post
Veggie Curry & Wild Rice Soup
I have lived in Florida for most of my life and I still have not gotten used to the “weather mood swings” we have here. The weather is so temperamental. The summer is so hot and humid, and it’s not the kind of hot that feels good. It’s the kind of heat where you dread going outside, and can’t wait to… View Post
Satya: Truthfulness Is Not As Easy As It Seems
Working on this blog about Satya was tougher than I expected. You would think it would be easy to write about honesty and how to integrate that into daily life, but my mind hasn’t been able to tap into that yogi stillness that we’re all searching for. Since I was having trouble organizing my thoughts, I decided to go back… View Post
Qi Gong for Peace and Healing
Have you tried Qi Gong? Last Friday was my first time experiencing the healing energy of Qi Gong. I did very little research beforehand, so I had no idea what to expect. This class combined Qi Gong with sound healing meditation. I arrived at Harmony Yoga Studio about 5 minutes before the class started, and there were already 7 people there… View Post
Preserving the Spiritual Path of Yoga
Some of the main aspects of a yogic attitude are non judgement, compassion, and acceptance. Being someone who is connected to the yoga community, I have come to terms that this is easier said than done. There is a lot of ongoing judgement and gossip. I have stayed quiet for awhile, but I finally have something to say… One of… View Post
The East End Market Is Seriously Awesome
The East End Market is seriously AWESOME. When I heard the news of this neighborhood market and food hub opening featuring some of Central Florida’s top food entrepreneurs, tradespeople, artists, and chefs; I couldn’t wait for the chance check it out. This little gem is located in the heart of Audubon Park, where you can also find some of my… View Post
Ahimsa: 4 Ways to Practice Non Harm Daily
Let’s talk Ahimsa. Ahimsa is the first if the of Yamas discussed in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. It’s a sanskrit word meaning to not cause harm or violence to yourself, to others, and animals in thoughts or action. This is not just the physical act of harm, but even wishing harm or misfortune on others is not in line with ahimsa. Practicing ahimsa… View Post
Creating Your Home Yoga Studio (and Tips To Get On The Mat)
When you’re deep in the pattern of going to the same studio for years, 6 days a week, disciplining yourself for a home practice is quite an adjustment period. Just the thought of it can cause some anxiety and bring up issues of attachment and dependency. We should all be ready for this to happen. Whether it’s because we no longer… View Post