Review: prAna's Etta Top

It's no secret that I love prAna so it probably comes as no surprise that I have another prAna review. This time I had an opportunity to try a top that I would normally not buy for myself...I have a fear of wardrobe malfunctions and the Etta top with it's asymmetrical straps seemed ripe for a cupcake slip.

I am pleased to report, I was wrong. The way the Etta top is cut is flattering, and a little sassy while keeping the girls completely secure. The smaller strap and interior shelf bra gives an added bit of security. As a curvy girl  I really appreciate a design that performs while looking cute.      

One of appeals is the beautiful print and variegated color, it's very flattering for all body types. Another is the Veeda performance fabric, made of 45% recycled fibers.

I will definitely keep wearing this top for teaching and practicing yoga, and climbing. I would even consider wearing it out in the evening with the right skirt or pants. Available at prAna.com.        

25 Day Yogathon

So I haven't posted in a few weeks. I have a lot of ideas but finding time to sit down and write has been a challenge. It's no surprise that my theme for teaching yoga this week has often turned to the idea of maintaining balance in our lives. When the holidays come our self-nurturing tendencies are usually the first sacrifice. So I was terribly intrigued when Teeg at Living in the (K)Now offered up the idea of a 25 Day Yogathon!

While Teeg's motivations are a little different than mine this challenge really speaks to me. I want to tend well to myself this time of year. It allows me to be a better friend, employee, and teacher. Rather than indulge in self-care in a way that can be sloth and gluttony in sheep's clothing I will set solid intentions. Designed to nourish my mental, physical and spiritual self

• 25 days of yoga everyday (mind).
• 25 days of drinking at least 25 ounces more water than I normally do in a day (body). 
• 25 days of 15 minutes of meditation everyday (soul). 
• 25 days of mindful eating. Not saying "no" to holidays treats but recognizing a little goes a long way and I don't need super-sized portions of any indulgent foods (mind, body, and soul).
• 25 days of making home made green juice and drinking it.

You're invited to join along with the 25 Day Yogathon! Whether you want to work towards detoxing like Teeg, balance and self-care like me, or something new, the yogathon is about living your choices. Choosing an element of commitment for tending to the mind, body, and soul make your list and join us tomorrow. We're using the hashtag #25yogathon on Twitter, so joinus and follow the conversation there!

September is National Yoga Month...

and boy has this yoga cupcake been busy! I will return to my regular posting schedule next week with two posts. The first will be a spotlight on Door-to-Door Organics Local Farm Box and the second will be a report on the Oyster Race including the winners of my donor giveaway!

In the mean time please check out the offerings in your area for National Yoga Month or if you're in the Denver/Boulder area come see me on September 17th!

The "Why"

If you live in a city like Denver or Boulder, there is a LOT going on in the yoga community. Every weekend there is a workshop or eight, there are the studio classes, and there are special guests, these amazing yoga and philosophy teachers who come from a far to spend time teaching and sharing their wisdom. Sometimes you feel like you should be at every one of these events. It seems like everyone else is able to make them all, so you can too. Sure you may have a full-time job, children, a part-time job, pets, animals, reading to do for trainings, and homework, but you can fit in three more events, right?

I remember early on in my teacher training, I felt a bit of the panic set in. Maybe I couldn't attend all the events, was I less of a yogini? Did that make me less qualified to teach? I brought up my fears and frustrations with my yoga mentor and Iyengar style teacher and she asked me, "why do you want to teach?". It took me a minute to respond, and then I said something that sounded very much like this, 

Because yoga has changed my life. It's allowed me to live with depression in a way that feels sustainable and it has made the other aspects of my life easier, for lack of a better word. This is a gift and I want to share it. I want to make yoga accessible.

She asked me to write it down. I did. We also talked it through a bit more and the gist was, attend the events and classes that were going to best serve me and my students at this time. While a wealth of knowledge is available it doesn't mean you have to devour it all at once. A teacher who has time to marinate and bring these new elements and skills is a lot better off than a teacher who is too exhausted and over exerted to absorb anything new.

I go back to that piece of paper every time I begin to waver. Recently I took on too much. Not that my goals were too big just too much for one person in a short amount of time. I refined my schedule, re-assessed my offerings as far a teacher and also within my consulting business. A huge weight has been lifted from me. I am happier, I am sleeping better, I have more energy. I sound like a perky commercial.

I recognize it's scary taking on new endeavors, both for myself and for my students. In order to honor them I have to honor myself. If you're evolving something in your life, beginning a new training program or project, or just want to do better for yourself I really encourage to put it down on paper. Write down the "Why". You're "Why" may change and develop and come back to its orginal iteration over time. However, in the darker times of doubt, worry, fear, the "Why" brings a bit of light to your path. After all, we can all use a little light to guide our way.

Trip Report: Wanderlust California

If you don't know about Wanderlust it can be summed up as a long weekend of yoga, music, wellness, amazing food, and the opportunity to make new friends. The Festival began in Squaw Valley, CA in 2009. In its third year it has expanded including offerings in Vermont and Florida as well as various 'Wanderlust in the the City' events throughout the US. This year I was fortunate to attend the original Squaw Valley location as a volunteer and attendee for four-amazing days. Typically trip reports break down the experience by day, but I would rather talk with you about the various components. So here we go!

Photo Courtesy of Carl Kerridge

The Classes
There are a ton of yoga classes offered at Wanderlust. There are about 4-5 time slots per day with about 6-8 classes offered during each time. It can be very overwhelming to choose which classes to take. Sometimes the draw is experiencing new styles of yoga, or maybe practicing with that celebrity teacher, or maybe adding to your asana experience. There were a lot of combinations of running/hiking and yoga as well as meditation and lectures.

I'll admit most of my classes were with the "celebrity" teachers, Seane Corn, Schuyler Grant, and Kathryn Budig. As a new teacher I was very curious, are they worth the hype? I definitely learned some new information from them and they all held great energy. Since this is a festival format the classes tended to speak to a specific theme, like Detox yoga, or be a workshop style. So while you got a taste of what it was like to be with these famous instructors it's not quite the same as it might be to practice with them at their home studios. I think next year I will try to balance it out a bit more between the celebrity yoga teachers and the lesser known but also excellent teachers.

Photo Courtesy of Carl Kerridge

The Atmosphere
Wanderlust was pretty much like any other festival but with a wellness spin, like the Farm to Table Dinner, fresh organic food just fit the yoga vibe. There were a lot of great vendors with clothing, yoga accessories, supplements and supporting non-profits. In addition to the vendors in tents the area is full of great dining and little shops. Being in the Squaw Valley area things were a bit pricey, but hey, it's a resort area and it's in California, that is to be expected.

One of the best parts was the Anusara Village. This space is an amazing combination of asana, the YogaSlackers and thought-provoking art installations. Everyone was really nice, I mean REALLY nice. There wasn't pushing or shoving or the rudeness you may see at other events. People were just blissful.  I was very fortunate to run into Jessica from "Where is my Guru" and Carl Kerridge, her awesome beau and exceptional photographer. Through them I met more wonderful people and the bliss kept on going.

The Music
I may get blasted for this, but definitely my least favorite part of the festival. The music was GREAT, Michael Franti was awesome and I loved hearing the music interspersed throughout the area during the evening hours. What I don't love is crowds and having beer spilled on me and being repeatedly hit in the head by a hula hoop from the girl behind me. I know for many this is their favorite part, it's just not my thing, however honoring that part of myself and walking away before I became too frustrated was a big achievement for me. So in a way, I was treated to a new way to practice my yoga off the mat. Honor thyself and walk away from the hula hoop bashing.

Photo Courtesy of Carl Kerridge

Volunteering
You can read a more detailed account of my Volunteering experience here at the Wanderlust Blog. I can sum it up and say it was a great experience. As a volunteer, you get one free day of yoga for working three 4-6 hour shifts. During that time I met some fun people and working in the yoga rooms I got a chance to also observe other teacher's styles and adjustments. It was an excellent learning experience. Also a unique factor, the volunteers are treated really well across the board at Wanderlust. Not always the case at a lot of festivals.

Overall
I am really glad I went, I would love to go again. Being solo I had a lot of freedom to learn a lot, meet new people and grow. I would recommend checking out the festival near you or making a big trip out of it. I think next year I will try to go with friends but I would still go alone again. It's the type of festival where you can be solo but not feel lonely. To learn more about my experience and what fellow attendees though, check out the Wanderlust Blog!

The Sweetest Perfection

perfect [adjective, pur-fikt]
exactly fitting the need in a certain situation or for a certain purpose.


Often when we think of the perfect moments of our lives, they're times filled with bliss, joy, happiness. Though last night on my bike ride home, I found perfection in a new way. I have been going through a lot of stuff lately. I won't get into the details because they're not important. What is important is how I have been feeling. Quite simply, I have been feeling "less than", "Not enough", and as though I may have taken some wrong turns. 


As I rode home, the clouds had begun to move in and then the rain, hail, thunder and lightening followed. I was soaked, cold, my skin was turning a bit red and puffy. Just as I began to curse yet one more bad decision to be on my bike in a storm, I rode under a bridge. The bridge was a temporary haven for three people who looked like they were without a home or stability. I suddenly felt like I got the big old wake up call from the universe, you know the temper tantrum kind rather than the whispery sweet kind. I hadn't been listening. 


I was so worried about what I don't have that I couldn't see all the amazing things I do have. In that moment I was so worried about getting from point a to point b that I hadn't stopped to recognize that I had the luxury of point b. 


The part of yoga that I have always loved is the spaces in between. Learning to thrive when you're not quite in the darkness or the light. It was in that very physical manifestation of the space in between work and home last night that I woke up. I realized that some things aren't happening for me in the way or in the amount of time that I would prefer, but I am still on the path and the stability and opportunities in my life have been taken for granted. 


Time to push forward, recognize the perfection in that moment, the way everything came together to last night to serve a certain purpose, to remind me to trust my training, my motivation, my path. 


Have you ever experienced this form of perfection? Have you had the universe deliver you a perfect combination of signs and physical manifestations in order to teach or unveil?

Yoginis Love Layers: Me Sheeky's Stevie Skirt!

Stevie Skirt in Jade

Okay, maybe not all yoginis love layers but many that I know do. I think that's one of the reasons I get so many compliments when I wear my Stevie skirt from Me Sheeky. It's such a simple layer but so cute and functional. I also feel a little like a saucy super hero in it.

I chose the Stevie for it's asymmetrical hemline. It looks great with full-length pants and even better with capris. I love how the sizing is true to your regular size, you don't have to size-up because it's an over layer. The fabric is also quite then, but doesn't feel flimsy. The skirt stayed true to original sizing after a trip through the laundry and the color has stayed strong after a few wash cycles.  

The beauty of the skirts from Me Sheeky is the dual purpose. You can easily wear them for fashionista reasons alone. However, the skirt works well in Vinyasa practice. I wore it during a 10 hour day assisting at a teacher training and it fit beautifully the whole time. Even if you're not a yogini the skirt is great to go over bike shorts or for chasing toddlers around a playground.

Even better Me Sheeky is offering my readers a limited time discount! Order between today and July 7th and you'll get 20% off! Just use the code: SHEEKYCUPCAKE at the time of your order! I think once you try them you'll be hooked. I can't wait to get another!

Shake It Like a Polaroid Picture

I love, love, LOVE teaching yoga. I have met some amazing students and I love watching their faces light up when a pose is unlocked for the first time. So amazing!

What makes me sad about teaching is how many times I hear "Sorry", "I'm sorry", "I suck at balancing". It breaks my heart that people think that some how not being able to balance on one foot while twisting and lengthening and contracting is something that should be apologized for. Our cells are constantly moving, blood is always moving through our bodies, and being wobbly or trembling is absolutely necessary.

Yoga is not the only place that I have seen this apologetic phenomenon, it happens in climbing too. As we work through a route hands, legs, feet may tremble from time to time. This happens so often that it's been named "Elvis Leg" or "Sewing Machine Leg".

Often times it's easy to think this only happens because we're either new to the activity, scared, or unprepared. Yes, in some cases those are a factor but the wobbling, trembling, shaking place comes to us at all times of life. I have seen veteran climbers tremble and yoga teachers who topple. People tend to shake it off as "they've got something going on". Yeah, maybe they do, maybe you do when you tremble too.

But how about this? How about we don't assume that the "something going on" is bad. How about we welcome the wobble as a sign that our bodies are so excited about our life that we have butterflies all over! After all, nobody ever tells a dog, "Stop wagging your tail, you're too old/mature/experienced to do that!"

I say wag it, shake it, move it, rock it. TAKE BACK THE WOBBLE! It's not a bad thing, it's your beautiful life force at work.

Chakara Love: PrAna's Victoria Top and Lolita Pant

No, not those Chakaras, I am talking about the new technical fabric from prAna. When I first found out that prAna was unveiling a new "technical fabric" I wasn't sure what to expect. While their clothing has always been performance oriented it's been soft and comfortable. Somehow in my mind I equated technical with abrassive textures and uncomfortable compression. I am happy to say prAna surprised me.

The new Chakara fabric is very soft and comfy. The Chakara fabric is available in over a dozen products in the prAna women's collection. I was able to test out two pieces, the Victoria Top and the Lolita Pant.

The Victoria Top arrived in white, a color I don't usually wear, and in a halter top, a style I usually don't practice in. I will be honest, I sat there and stared at it awhile and had to work up the courage to wear it out. I worry about white because of issues like transparency and clumsiness (aka: spilled chai).  I found a bit of bravery and wore the top to Advanced Vinyasa Yoga class and I again was pleasantly surprised the top was very comfortable. I felt quite confident in the white fabric and the style. Through many Downward Dogs and Forward Bends the cupcakes always stayed in place. The halter is sewn, rather than tied and the perfect design for support without that feeling you're being strangled. The top also has a double layer of fabric throughout the bust area, my fears of transparency were dismissed. In addition the fabric performed beautifully, wicking moisture from the skin and drying quickly.

As far as the Lolita Pants, well I will just say it, they made my butt look great! While not the only reason of value that is certainly worth mentioning. The Chakara fabric works beautifully in the pants. While thin and lighter in weight it still allows for a bit of compression.. This creates very nice lines and support. I know a lot of people say you shouldn't care about what you're wearing in yoga, but I think the clothing has to make you feel good. When you're not adjusting your pants or top and just able to feel good, you can focus on the flow.

I love prAna's traditional collection and the new Chakara items are a great addition. They're excellent for times you may need more support and moisture-wicking properties. To check out these and other items in the Chakra Collection visit prAna.com.

Holding Space and Deliberate Vulnerability

Mr. Neo

In yoga teacher training and through out the practice we learn a lot about holding space for our students. While it's not a skill you can necessarily learn, it is a part in all of us that we have to cultivate. How can we be present for the student crying on the mat, the student fearful and nervous, the student who is full of confidence? We have to hold space for all of them, in the same room at the same time. It's not easy, but it gets easier. While this area of my teaching practice is growing in leaps and bounds it was almost missing in part of my personal life.

I couldn't hold space for my cat this morning.

When taking, Neo, my 11-year-old tabby, to the vet for a procedure to treat his dental disease I got scared. The vet still reminds me of losing Murphy. I remember picking up his remains and I get sick with grief. I tried to keep it together for Neo, but it was hard. Tears were beginning to flow as they took him away. I hope he only sensed my love and not my fear.

I realized I felt so vulnerable, exposed. Yet I remembered my words to my students this weekend, "See vulnerability not as weakness, not as being exposed, but as an opportunity to willingly move to the wobbly place,  because good things come from being shaky". I need to heed those words. I realized that my willingness to put Neo's health above my own comfort level was a way of holding space for him. My willingness to return to a trusted veterinarian despite the pain was a way to be vulnerable in the most deliberate way so that I could rebuild my experience and add new memories, memories of a cat healing, not only of a dog saying goodbye.

The beauty of the Universe...she will quickly make sure you're ready to teach the ideas you're sharing by ingraining that personal experience more deeply within you. Have you come up against your past lately? Is it preventing you from moving forward, from holding space for someone who needs you?

Think about it.  How can you be present in an are of discomfort and hold space? How can you choose to be vulnerable in a deliberate, even delicious way? If you choose to take on these tasks, in what ways will your world open and expand? Give it a try, it's worth it.

Rockin' the Bustle Bum Yoga Pants

I decided to get myself a gift for graduating yoga teacher training. I wanted something fun and inspirational. I thought maybe jewelry but wasn't sure. Then I discovered these Bustle Bum Pants on Etsy!

These pants were with me the first time I taught a public class and I felt empowered. Yeah, yeah, I get my power should come within, and it does. However these pants tapped into my sass when I was feeling a little anxious and I felt calmer and ready to go.

I love the yoga pants that include a skirt but wanted something a little fancier than the norm and these are perfect. The pants are handmade and well crafted. I love the color and the size I ordered was true to the measurements listed on the site. They take about three weeks to make plus delivery time so plan ahead if you're going to order a pair.

I love the other designs in the Herban Devi shop as well. I imagine I will be ordering again in the near future. I was also impressed that they communicate quickly in regard to any questions.

A Case of Mistaken Identity

Artwork by Paul-Baptiste Baca

When I first joined Twitter, I joined with the name CupcakeMafia. It was funny but more important it exemplified who I am, a girl who is both sweet and tough. After awhile it seemed most of my contacts on twitter were outdoorsy, particularly climbers. I began to think that I should change my name to reflect that part of me. Something inside me told me to stay with what I had. Then again when I began to immerse myself in yoga and yoga folk, I thought....Cupcake Mafia doesn't scream "Yogini" but I stayed the course. In the last few months I have figured out why.

There has been a lot of talk about "identity" lately, particularly amongst my outdoorsy friends. They notice that they've expanded their interest and evolved. People once known as "Climbing" people are now skiing people, cycling people, paddling people. No one thing defines them. For those who let one thing, like climbing, define them, then face an injury, a loss of partner, a relocation, they're lost for awhile. They were a "Climber", now what?

I have thought about how I have identified myself both in the past and present. Words like Climber, Cyclist, Bookwork, Seamstress, Knitter, Yogini, Daughter, Girlfriend, Aunt, Athlete, Caretaker of Animals....these all came out of my mouth. When asked about myself it was always, "I work at blah blah blah, I live with blah blah blah, My hobbies include....". My identity was driven by external factors.

I stepped back and thought about those words and how they were not what defined me, but rather the core values they share. Rather than describe myself with brief words I am so much more.

I am someone:

• With a great capacity for love
• Who feels more connected to the earth and people of the world when I am outdoors
• Able to recognize the unity of my mind, soul, and body more when I participate in physical activities
• Who is willing to protect people she loves 
• Who feels at peace after bringing a project from start to finish
• Who remains open to new paths and new challenges

You get the picture. It's not an exhaustive list but it's a glimpse at how my process works. It has made a huge difference. I no longer dwell on the fact that I may not climb as much as I would like, that maybe I am no longer a climber. Rather I say, I may not climb as much but the part of my soul that is fueled from climbing is fueled with yoga, riding my bike, and so many other areas.

My identity is not dependent upon how often or how well I do something. Rather it's fluid, it evolves, and comes from what brings me joy, what makes me cringe, but on a really big level. My identity is also not dependent on how much I let others see. I can give as much or as little of each of these elements in my relationships and interaction and still maintain my authenticity.

So for my friends who are struggling with identity or even if you haven't given it much thought considering going through this process. Get rid of the words that are so static and describe yourself with core messages and phrases. Present yourself in a greater way. On that note... I better go change my biography ;-)

So Nice I Bought It Twice: Why I Love the prAna Kaley Top

It's no secret that I love prAna. They're clothing sizing is consistent, made with excellent fabrics and construction that lasts, and I like their community action and responsibility. This is the type of clothing that is a worthwhile investment. As a yoga student and instructor (graduating this weekend YAY!) I spend a lot of time in my yoga clothing; it's really what fits my lifestyle. However, some yoga clothing can be a little too revealing or form fitting for my taste. I either throw a skirt on top or a jacket. Not so with the Kaley top.

I originally bought the Kaley Tunic Top in the Turquoise print. The colors are vibrant and I just smile when I put it on. As a girl with curves I love that the cupcakes feel supported, I never feel like I am going to pop out in inversions. I also love the empire waist, it flatters my figure without fitting so tight I feel like a sausage. The length is also excellent, on a short gal like me it really ends up giving a cute skirt affect. For taller women it would fit more at where the hip meets thigh. Either way, it is a truly flattering fit for any frame size and height.

Since I would wear the top every day if I could I treated myself to the top in an Orchid print as well. For those who are not into prints, the top is also available in traditional black. I highly recommend you try it out today!

More Than This aka My Unconventional Yoga Playlist

Whew! Last week's post was an emotional one for me. In times of deep emotion I am on the mat a lot. I think that is true for many who practice yoga. After a few days of this, I was over the yoga playlists I was using. Not that there isn't a time and place for traditional yoga music, of course there is. However, I needed something different. I needed to not get caught up in my head and to just breathe and be comforted by familiar music, music I could sing along with if I chose.

So this is what I came up with, it's mostly alternative ballads from the 80s but a few more modern pieces thrown in too. If you don't practice yoga you may still enjoy this as background music for your work day or music to just relax with.

A Whisper to a Scream

When people find out that I am in a yoga teacher training program the question I am most often asked is "What makes you want to teach yoga?" (followed by "Oh you must be very bendy?"). That's a big question. How do you tell someone you may not know very well how profoundly yoga has impacted your life without over sharing or scaring them with the amount of passion you have?

Eventually I found the most concise and neutral way to describe that.

"Yoga helps me stay mindful of the connection between by mind, body, soul and the universe. With that awareness I am able to take my cues from the Universe and it has made my life a lot easier. I want to share that with other people."

So what does that mean? It means my life is really a lot easier because of the awareness yoga awards me.When the universe has a suggestion for you it starts out with a whisper. If you don't hear it, it will raise it's voice until the point that it's getting your attention like a two-year-old stamping it's feet, red-faced and in tears.

I now see the subtle messages, I hear the whisper that the Universe is sending to me. I rarely make the same mistakes over and over again hoping to get different results, I used to do this all the time. The best part, the Universe's messages aren't always telling you what not to do. Yeah, sure you get the "You'll regret that 9pm Chai when you try to sleep tonight" but you also get some amazing encouragement.

I began reaching out to people on a whim, a whisper, and then I see the doors of mutually beneficial opportunity fly open. I became more daring, more willing to go outside my comfort zone and the rewards have been amazing.

Do you have to practice yoga to hear the Universe's whisper? I don't think so. It's what has worked best for me but I have had similar experiences in hiking, climbing, and cycling. Anything that brings movement, thought, and a level of meditation or awareness with the universal connection will work.

I would love to hear from people with similar experiences. Have you heard the Universe whisper? What did it say?

Hi, I'm Cupcake, and I Eat Baby Food

Not too long ago I was visiting my best friends and as we were talking about how it can be difficult to stay nourished when you're active my friend showed me an awesome addition to her daughter's lunch box. At the time, I wasn't so sure how awesome it would be though, even though the daughter is six, it was still by a company that makes baby food, Ella's Kitchen.


While I think whole fruit is always a great option it was getting hard to eat pears and other sticky fruits on the go. They were messy or after a day in my bag cut, battered, and bruised. So the fruit pouch was appealing.

In the UK, Ella's Kitchen has a huge variety of snacks and meals for babies and toddlers. In the US, we get the Stage One Baby Foods and the Smoothie Fruits, the latter being my favorite.

Available in four varieties, the Smoothie Fruits are organic mashed-up fruit in a portable pouch. Averaging around 50 calories each they're a nice light snack on their own or great paired with some nuts or cheese. The fruit can be enjoyed at room temperature but I like mine refrigerated. For longer days I freeze the pouch the night before and by mid-afternoon it's ready to eat.

Once while shopping I couldn't find Ella's so I opted for the Earth's Best, Yogurt Smoothie instead. Since these have a bit of yogurt in them they are creamier and have more calories, around 70 per pouch. A little more sustainable for a snack on their own.
Also available in four varieties, the Earth's Best pouches freeze well and taste yummy.

The only drawback for me was the packaging. In the US, the pouch may or may not be recyclable based on your local practices. One excellent resource is TerraCycle, specializing in hard to recycle items. They currently recycle items like Capri Sun pouches and have a great selection of products made from recycled material.

However, if you're crafty there is another option. You can use the cleaned and dismantled pouches as material to sew a tote bag or hand bag. These instructions are based on Capri Sun pouches but with a little reconfiguration the fruit pouches will work too. I always love crafting from reclaimed material and these bags are cute for the summer and would be great for the pool or beach.

Enjoy the fun and innovating pureed fruit on your next long work day or day trip hiking and climbing. Maybe you'll love them so much you'll be inspired to get crafty and find a great new use for their pouches. If you do let me know!

Two More Reasons to Love prAna

For awhile now prAna has been one of my favorite brands. I love their clothing for climbing, yoga, and everyday life. I love their yoga mats too. In addition to the quality of their clothing and appeal of their design I love that they've always supported intiatives I believe in. This Spring, prAna has rolled out two more initiatives that make me smile ear-to-ear.

Packaging Simplicity

The first intiative is reform in their packaging for shipping. The traditonal wrapping of each individual item in a poly bag will be reduced by about one third. Those garments that are suitable will be folded and tied. It is nice to see that company who values giving back to the community and earth are looking at their processes and making changes to represent their values.



Available in Three Colors

The second bit of prAna news worth sharing is the new Soul T. As one of the first participants in the new Fair Trade Apparel Category, PrAna began working with the Liberian Women's Sewing Project to not only create a new piece of apparel but to reach a little farther. The Liberian Women's Sewing Project is in accordance with the Fair Trade principles:

• Fair price to farmers for their goods
• Fair labor conditions and wages for farm and factory workers
• Direct market access eliminating unnecessary middlemen
• Democratic and transparent organizations
• Community development
• Environmental sustainability

I had an opportunity to sample the shirt first hand and I love it. It is well-crafted, the colors are vibrant and fun, it fits great and it washes well. It also makes me smile when I wear it. To know it was crafted in an environment where women are empowered and in roles outside of the norm for their community, it warms my heart.

To learn more about the partnership check out this video from prAna.

Can on Tee Intiate Global Change?

prAna Soul Tee from Prana Living on Vimeo.

Gratitude and Grace

At the beginning of yoga class, we're often asked to set an intention or to send our practice where it needs to go. This is a practice I have extended to other parts of my life like climbing, hikes, bike rides, the activities that help make that connection between the body and soul easy to see.

Sometimes setting that intention is really easy. There may be an area of your life where you're struggling or a loved one in need so your intention is very clear. Other times it's not that easy. Maybe all is going well or it's just too messy to bring it to the mat. At those times I have always had a staple intention, simply to practice for those who can't. Move for those who can't. Be present for that period when others can't. This intention has served me well.

Recently, I began to think about that a bit more. Sending your practice out to an anonymous stranger who can't practice is a lot like praying for someone you've never met. I think that's something we've all done. Whether we've been sending good vibes out to our co-worker's sick daughter or keeping good thoughts for someone we heard about on the news, we all do this to some extent.

Chances are if most of us pray for a stranger in some way, well then a stranger has sent good energy our way. Have you felt that before? I have and it's pretty awesome. So now when I am not sure where to send my practice I still send it to those who can not practice but I also send it to every person who has ever prayed for me, those I know and those I will never meet.

So I invite you,  the next time you're on your mat or about to begin a hike, walk or ride to send it out to all those who have ever given you energy when you needed that extra bit of love, even if you've never met them. Be mindful, be thankful and be present for them.

Review: Yoga for Shoulders with Andria Davis, RYT

I have been a fan of Yoga Ventures DVDs ever since I bought "Yoga for Climbers" a few years ago. While beautifully filmed in gorgeous settings the videos are produced simply without a lot of fuss. The beauty of the instructor, Andria Davis, shines through with her soulful practice. I love how Yoga Ventures has catered to helping balance out outdoor enthusiasts activities with yoga for Cyclists, Paddling, and Hikers as well as Climbers. When I got a chance to try out the "Yoga for Shoulders" DVD I jumped at it.

First and foremost I love the set-up of this DVD! When you put in the video there is a big menu, it may be overwhelming at first, especially if you want to just dive in start some yoga. But diving in defeats the purpose of this DVD. It is designed to help people with shoulder injuries, shoulder pain, or to just strengthen and increase mobility of healthy shoulders, so  it's good to go through and read the descriptions and start with the recommended routines whether you're a beginner or experienced yogi. In the introduction you learn about the various sequences as they are designed to build on each other as well as what props are suggested for the various practices and how to use them.

You start with the breath sequence then work your way through a total of seven practices that align and strengthen your shoulders while releasing tension and increasing mobility. Once you've worked your way through the seven practices and can do them in a comfortable manner you can then pick and choose from the various component. Or if you're ready for a longer session there are additional combinations of the routines. Whether you're in the mood for standing poses, core work, or restorative work there is something for your mood.

Normally I have a really hard time with yoga DVDs. I miss the energy of a class or the freedom of my own home practice. I think that is why I enjoy Andria's style so much. It's a unique experience that is enjoyable in it's own way. The slow pace of the sequences feels nourishing and energizing at the same time. While doing the various routines I really enjoyed how I could close my eyes and just enjoy, the verbal directions were soothing yet detailed. Andria has a great way of speaking so that you know where to go with your body and movement but feel the warmness you expect from yoga.

As part of my yoga teacher training I have learned that the shoulders can give out very early in life if you practice in a certain way. I feel very good about Andria's "Yoga for Shoulders" DVD that it not only helps repair some of the hardship our shoulders experience but also helps us build better technique to keep practicing yoga into our 80s. I love this DVD and can't wait to check out more of her DVDs.

The Yamas and Niyamas - Cupcake Style!

I have been fairly quiet about my Yoga Teacher Training experience so far. It has been great but also a lot of work and something that pushes back. We were recently tasked to write out our perception of the Yamas and Niyamas. I thought it might be worth sharing, below is what I came up with.

Sometimes the Yamas and Niyamas are very easy to understand and conceptualize. Other times they’re like a painting by Salvadore Dali, just when you think you get it, you don’t get it. So I like to look at them from a contemporary point of view.



The Yamas

Ahimsa
“If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothing at all” Thumper from Bambi.

Sure he is a cartoon rabbit but he’s got the idea. Don’t be hurtful, don’t be harmful. Speak kindly, act kindly, think kindly. It’s not limited to your actions towards others but also toward yourself.



Satya
“The truth is rarely pure and never simple.” – Oscar Wilde

Sometimes the belief in Satya is so strong that we lose sight. Do we insist on being honest to the point of hurting someone, thus violating Ahimsa. Don’t lie, don’t betray, but recognize as Oscar Wilde said, it isn’t always simple to be truthful. Practice kind honesty.



Asteya
“If you have to lie, cheat, and steal, you just aren’t doing it right” – Donald Trump

Donald Trump, one of the wealthiest men in the world, who has seen fortune come and go and come back again, doesn’t believe in stealing. If you have to take what is not yours then you’re doing it wrong. Do not take what is not yours, whether it is a material item or credit for someone’s thoughts and ideas.



Brahmacarya
“It means something to me. You can't just go off shagging anybody anymore. And if you could, I wouldn't because I'm not like that.” – Vanessa, Austin Powers

Often interpreted as “celibacy”, Brahmacarya is more about keeping your connections sacred. Guard your body, heart, and mind. Don’t share your essence until you know the person you’re sharing it with is someone who you treasure.



Aparigraha
“If you’re not greedy you will go far, you will live in happiness too... like the oompa.... loompa.... doompity do.” – Oompa Loompa, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Greed is consuming, greed has consequences. Whether you’re hording money, power, or the spotlight it will come back to harm you. Don’t do it. Be like the Oompa Loompa. Be blissful by living with moderation and balance.



The Niyamas

Sauca
“Tonight's lecture: ‘What's wrong with celebrating sobriety by getting drunk?’" Betty, 28 Days

Cleanliness and purity….yes this is Sauca. However, it also goes further for me. Be introspective about what you’re doing to your body and mind. Are you working against yourself? Do you make it through a gorgeous and detoxifying session of yoga to then go out for martinis, bar food, and gossip? If you work hard to keep yourself clean, then keep it clean.



Santosa
“The rule is, jam tomorrow and jam yesterday - but never jam today.” The White Queen in Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking Glass

Sometimes everything in the past looks great. If only you could be back there you would be happy. Or you know that once you get that raise, lose those 10 pounds, have a beautiful house, your life will be wonderful. Sure, maybe. However, Santosa isn’t about finding perfection. Santosa is knowing that life will never be what it was, it will never be what it is, however knowing you’re doing what you can and on the right path and being content there.



Tapas
“Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach.” Tom Robbins

Dedication, commitment, igniting the fire within and keeping it stoked. This is Tapas. However recognize that in our austerity we sometimes have to evolve and change in order to maintain the commitment.



Svadhyaya
“To acquire knowledge, one must study. To acquire wisdom one must observe.” - Marilyn vos Savant

The quest for knowledge is not limited to books and classes. Observe the world, observe yourself. Learn by looking out, learn by looking in.



Isvara pranidhana
“At fifteen, life had taught me undeniably, that surrender, in its place, was as honorable as resistance, especially if one had no choice.” Maya Angelou

Sometimes all we can do is let go. Often people recognize this in our darkest hours, surrender to your higher power and you will find the path. This is true of the brightest times in our life as well, when you’ve reached that peak, surrender to find the next path.