yoga, it's a lifestyle
I have been on numerous diets and will never go on one again. Let me tell you why. As someone who struggled in the past with insecurities and poor body-image, my heart hurts when I hear of people going on "diets." Food and the thought of food controlled me years ago. I'm not talking about... Continue Reading →
Happy Anniversary to me!!! This spring marks TEN YEARS without eating meat! That includes seafood as well. And I celebrate my choice every single day, and really, every meal. People ask if it was hard, where do I get my protein, if I miss meat, and why I gave it up. To answer those loaded... Continue Reading →
Back in high school, I struggled to find confidence and acceptance for myself and turned to eating disorders. I worked out far too much and even did yoga, but I did not understand much about the ancient practice. Feeling inadequate for 8 years, I battled bulimia on and off. I was never neglected or abused... Continue Reading →
Being a mother is one of the most difficult jobs in the world. Whether you have one child or six little ones, it is demanding, exhausting, rewarding, and life-changing. Each child has their own personality, and part of your job is discovering theirs while providing what he or she needs. Motherhood is not for the... Continue Reading →
Self-love comes easily for some, and no so much for others. It's my mission to create that healthy, loving space for Lucca. When he learns to love and accept himself, he will be confident, caring, compassionate, kind, and generous. He will thrive and succeed. Many of us have been surrounded by negative self-talk, society and... Continue Reading →
Being a stay-at-home mom is no easy job. Unless you're a mother, it's hard to comprehend how much of your day is jam packed with preparations, chores, and busyness while staying with the kiddos. My infant boy has never been an "easy-going" child. He is pitta, full of fire and motion. He has lots of... Continue Reading →
Our society, very unfortunately, puts a lot of pressure and focus on outer appearances. We are told by companies and advertisements to lose weight, change our hair, buy these pants, use this makeup, and on and on and on. Basically, we are told we are not enough. It is untrue, and frankly, exhausting. We are... Continue Reading →
I say it regularly, and I'll say it again: I prefer to set intentions instead of goals or resolutions. Intentions come from a place of compassion and positivity, igniting hope for change. Resolutions can stem from a place of judgment or the thought that we are not complete as we are. So my intentions are... Continue Reading →
With a few days left of the year, I have mindfully decided to step back from social media, particularly Instagram and Facebook. While I enjoy being in touch with friends, finding yoga inspiration, and communication, I need a break. Some days, I'll scroll endlessly. Sometimes I'll get pissed at the amount of judgement, consumerism, and... Continue Reading →
As someone who identifies with Christianity, I have become increasingly triggered as of lately. There are everyday people, public figures, leaders in the community and country, and all over social media who claim to be Christian, but are forgetting what the whole religion is based upon. This religion, and the associated beliefs, is centered around... Continue Reading →
This morning's class was Kapha. Grounding, acknowledging feelings, and preparing for the upcoming full moon. 🌕 Lately I've been irritable, not towards my baby, but towards everyone else. I've gotten lost in my emotions and annoyed with how I've been mistreated. Then, this morning, I made the connection to LET IT GO. I realized I... Continue Reading →
Years before we found out we were pregnant, I envisioned using cloth diapers for my babies. Once I became pregnant, I decided to begin with disposable diapers until the baby's BMs got more solid and less frequent - easier and less to clean. So about 4 months into motherhood, we were full fledge cloth diapering. ... Continue Reading →
Fall has been here for a few weeks, but with the weather finally cooling down, it FEELS like autumn is officially here! Some people enjoy pumpkin spice everything, and while I can appreciate that, I'm excited to get outside in the fresh air! Friday afternoon, my husband, baby and puppy took a short drive to... Continue Reading →
I cannot believe my baby is half a year old! He seems so big, and has grown so much... but he's still a baby. Thank God! Babies are my favorite; infant age is my favorite phase but it has been much harder with my own child. I never expected being a mother would be simple,... Continue Reading →
It is crazy how our baby fights sleep. At night, naps during the day, just sleep in general. He does not want to miss a thing and wants to talk and play and be awake all the time. Obviously, we are exhausted. He is overtired too, but will never admit it. Just when I think... Continue Reading →
Hey there! I know I have not been posting regularly (due to that mom life), but if this blog is helping me work through feelings and share my experiences, it has to be a priority. To see where I am, it's interesting to go back through older posts to see where I've been. I... Continue Reading →
Goodness gracious. Sunday night was the new moon, and apparently I thought it was a good time to adjust Lucca's sleeping routines. We bed share, and even though it is controversial, it works for us. We do it as safe as possible, and I do not see it as an issue. What needs to change... Continue Reading →
There are days in all our lives when we feel run down, spread too thin, lost, without purpose, or just tired. I become tired often, so often it is as though I live in a perpetual state of tiredness. During these times or days or maybe weeks, it is common to question personal decisions. I... Continue Reading →
My word. Traveling is difficult enough with a baby who does not enjoy car rides, but a weeklong beach vacation is not really what I would call relaxation. There were a few moments of sweet napping, smiling at family, and watching the waves, but there might have been more whining, confusion, and exhaustion (for the... Continue Reading →
The summer days are busy with vacations, road trips, camps, family time, swimming, and work! How can we manage to give time to ourselves when the days seem to get away from us? And now school is beginning and activities are picking up. Where does the time go and how do we make time for... Continue Reading →
Some people are weird about breastfeeding, especially in public. I believe I was even raised to think the same thing, it should be in private. Did you know it is much more accepted in Europe and Africa? Most people don't give it a second thought if they spot you nursing your child on a park... Continue Reading →
The Importance of Positive Self Talk. How you talk to yourself and about yourself affects how you act and speak around others. Are you loving towards yourself or do you have a tendency to get down and harsh when you stumble? Do you give yourself room to breathe and compassion or immediately turn to self-pity? ... Continue Reading →
Being a mother is never easy. Even when days, or more likely moments of the day, run smoothly, there is always a chance of that changing. Here are a few truths I have learned with my three- month old boy: The Good Lucca naps lying on my chest, and I have just gotten used... Continue Reading →
With motherhood in full bloom, I find myself a little sleepier than I prefer. To be honest, I am someone who needs 9 hours of sleep to be rested and ready for the day. That has gone out the window now days, obviously, and it is quite alright. Some days though I am more zombie... Continue Reading →
Nothing could prepare me for motherhood or a postpartum yoga practice. People warned me, but motherhood is something no one really understands until it's experienced on a personal level (like many life phases). I was told numerous times how hard, wonderful, and tiring having a baby would be. I was prepared as much as possible... Continue Reading →
It has taken me quite a while to write this story. Nothing went as I planned (even though I was open-minded), and I think I have been feeling slightly guilty and embarrassed since I gave birth. Lucca arrived perfectly, and all is well now. But I am still not content in how it all happened,... Continue Reading →
I just finished up watching Queer Eye, and it really inspired me to get in the kitchen! Antony (the chef) and I would be best friends if he knew me! He would probably be annoyed with my veganism and allergies, but love me as a person. Or that is what I'm telling myself! Anyway, I... Continue Reading →
We all question ourselves and our abilities. Am I doing a good job? Am I doing this wrong? What can I do better? Am I the problem? The first night home from the hospital, I was a mess. Mainly due to the fact I slept 2-3 hours a day for our 3 day stay... Continue Reading →
Ever since I became pregnant, I have been more irritable than I have ever known. Things people say get under my skin, things I see on the Internet piss me off, and lots of little things drive me crazy to my core. This is where my human nature comes out. I lose all my yogi... Continue Reading →
A few nights ago: Sitting quietly, watching The Office (what else), enjoying a beer, and being so thankful. We have gotten into a routine, and I think it helps baby bear. Each night at 8:30, Lucca gets a bath or showers with me, pajamas, big bottle of breastmilk from Papa, snuggles, and falls asleep on... Continue Reading →
Ther other day I listened to a webinar that really resonated with me. One of the topics was body positivity versus acceptance and reality. What one of the women said spoke directly to me. Here is what I took from the conversation... We don't have to LOVE our flaws, we just have to find PEACE... Continue Reading →
Dearest Lucca, You coming into our lives has been a gift. You try my patience as you teach me infinite love. You worry me with your crying while you warm my heart with snuggles. You have stolen sleep from my nights, but I get to watch you sleep and make precious breathing sounds. You... Continue Reading →
I saw this cycling around Facebook a while ago and wanted to save and share it. Whenever we do have a girl, this will be helpful. *Also, I do not know who originated this, but if you do, please let me know so I can credit them! Rules For My Daughter: 1. Make your bed... Continue Reading →
Help! Not just anybody. It is SO hard for me to ask for help. One of my go-to themes in my personal yoga practice and classes is surrender. To let go. It is exactly what I need to work on now and is becoming increasingly more difficult. Having control makes me feel organized, put together. ... Continue Reading →
It has been a day. Prepare for some candid, colorful language... Holy shit, motherhood is hard. My sweet baby and I drove to Springville (about 30 minutes away) and back this morning. He cried loudly at least 85% of the drives. Today was one of those days he hated the car. I have listened to... Continue Reading →
Postpartum Finding time to practice yoga with a 2 month old baby is hard enough. Add in the facts that there are VERY few options in a small town, and I am not willing to leave my baby with anyone other than my husband, yet... There's very little asana these days. Yoga also looks... Continue Reading →
With a 2 month old, a working husband, a puppy, two kitties, yoga classes to teach, and a house to take care of, life tends to become a little hectic. Days might run together and I can feel as though nothing has been accomplished. What is important to remember: if the baby is well fed,... Continue Reading →
I have been HIGHLY frustrated recently. Being a new mom is no joke. I am aware of my insanity, but I cannot seem to let it go... I think the mama bear in me is roaring. I am tired. Tired of people hovering over MY baby. Tired of people calling my baby their baby. ... Continue Reading →
On any given day, I will have breastmilk spilled on me. And a boob out. Maybe both. Sometimes I forget... I may also forget I have to pee because I can't set him down. Or I put him in a wrap, and we go together. There isn't much time to answer texts or have a... Continue Reading →
Our baby is one month old. A lot of people say they cannot remember the time before the baby was born, but I definitely do. I remember sleeping a lot during my pregnancy, because I thought I was tired then. Now, I am consumed with everything baby. And I honestly, truly wouldn't have it any... Continue Reading →
It seems our society cares so much about artificial beauty, and it becomes difficult to see the beauty within ourselves because of the outward influences. But pregnancy has made me feel beautiful. Really beautiful. After years and years of distorted body image and eating disorders, I never really felt worthy of positive attention or comfortable... Continue Reading →
Welcome to the THIRD and final trimester! We settled on our OB/GYN, a really kind and supportive woman in the city. Originally I wanted a midwife and doula, but there are not any in are immediate area, the closest being at least 45 minutes away. And there are no birthing centers either. We went to... Continue Reading →
The other night, I let it all come in... The fear, anxiety, uncertainty, nervousness, and lack of control. All I have ever known is that I want to be a mom. I have a natural adoration for little ones, especially babies, and am honestly really good at caring for them. But not knowing when baby... Continue Reading →
I have recently made the mistake of asking some questions or for advice for my baby on social media. While most people are kind and helpful, there are a few that have no place in giving their opinions. Men (no uterus, no opinion about pregnancy or breastfeeding). Women that have never experienced pregnancy, have no... Continue Reading →
At the beginning of each year, we set intentions or expectations of things we want to improve throughout the year. As the days and months go on, some of those intentions drift away and our focus lessens. There are a few ways to help you throughout your year! It is only a few weeks into... Continue Reading →
Experts now recommend that pregnant mothers and their birthing coach make up a "birth plan" and let their team know. The purpose is to make the mother and her supporters feel more comfortable about labor and delivery and have a little guide of what to expect. And so. I will begin to create my birth... Continue Reading →
Is planning a wedding or preparing for a baby more stressful? Both occasions, although celebrating love and life, are very different. My experiences with both were/are a little of a roller coaster. First off, wedding planning was MUCH more stressful. Second off, it was pretty worth it! I know preparing for a baby will... Continue Reading →
Pregnancy has really humbled me. I feel like I say and think this all the time. Every day, and every week, there is something new going on. As much as I have enjoyed pregnancy and want to be pregnant forever, I know that feeling is fleeting. At 25 weeks, Baby Bear was growing right... Continue Reading →
One thing I learned in Yoga Teacher Training was that mid-winter (New Year's) is not the most logical time to set demanding Resolutions. During this time of year, we are wanting to relax, stay warm inside, and indulge in yummy holiday treats. While it is important to WANT to improve our lives, it is also... Continue Reading →
Now THIS is pregnancy! There is no more wondering if a little baby is growing in my belly. A few weeks ago, I began to feel the baby moving, and it was simply magic. At 24 weeks, the baby moves all the time, and my husband can finally feel it when he touches baby's home!... Continue Reading →
I'm not even sure if you all read my pregnancy blogs, but I continue to write them for those of you that might be familiar or curious. Also, I share these to remind myself what a wild ride pregnancy is! For the 17-20th weeks of pregnancy, I felt so much better! I had more energy... Continue Reading →
Coming back to Yoga and Accepting YOUR journey... This week, I had a new woman come to my yoga class. She was very kind and happy to be there, able to practice. However, as soon as I walked in, she started talking about her body in a negative way and complaining of her physical capabilities. ... Continue Reading →
If you follow my Instagram (@sarieberryfairy) you might have seen me mention my diet. Mainly I use this social media platform for yoga, inspiration, and sharing my memories, but I also like to share more intimate and meaningful topics. Currently, this has included my diet transitioning from vegetarian to vegan. For almost 9 full years,... Continue Reading →
Welcome to the second trimester! Apparently this is the most pleasant trimester, and that makes me very excited. Fatigue My fatigue has lessened, finally! Some days I am FULL of energy and almost forget about my pregnancy. If I do not sleep well at night, though, I will without a doubt need a pretty decent... Continue Reading →
"Letting go" has become a theme in my life the past few years. Whether it is getting rid of old emotions, toxic relationships, harmful habits, stress, or negativity, I have been faced with the realization to surrender. Every week, I offer this as an intention to my yoga students. There are so many things in... Continue Reading →
It has taken me a very long time to get to this point, many years in fact. You have heard me talk about my struggles with eating disorders on and off for 8 years. This is not a subject that I ever saw myself discussing, or being freed from. But here I am, the healthiest... Continue Reading →
I lead a "mindful walk" weekly at the YMCA as part of my yoga teachings. This 30 minute to an hour walk has become one of my favorite times of the week. I learn so much about the community, how much the mind drifts away, and something new every single week. It's enlightening! What is... Continue Reading →
"I am beautiful. I am loved. I am worthy. I am enough." It can take a lifetime to realize our self-worth and beauty, but these qualities have been with us since conception. Each of us has been made in God's image; we are a thoughtful masterpiece meant to be loved and share love. Society... Continue Reading →
Before I dive into this story, I want to defend myself. As a very spiritual being and proud Christian, I am open to others' beliefs and appreciate that God has given me the chance to "witness" to others. However, I have never been one to "push" my religion and convictions on others. While these are... Continue Reading →
Ever since I started practicing yoga, I was very aware of this ancient practice being more than just a physical practice. I have seen firsthand in many of my students, and in myself, how we hold emotional hardships and Trauma in our body. Our body and the ability to move is directly affected from our... Continue Reading →
The struggle is real. The cost of activewear, specifically yoga pants, is outrageous! As a yoga instructor and yogi who practices and/or teaches everyday, quality yoga pants are a must. Some days I teach power vinyasa classes, where we sweat a lot and need a change of clothing after. Other days I teach yin and... Continue Reading →
One of the best and most beautiful areas of Gadsden is Noccalula Falls! This 90 foot tall waterfall is surrounded by gardens, majestic trees, a petting zoo, and a full park. It is quite easy to spend a whole day here! Being near to the Falls was one of the biggest draws of our new... Continue Reading →
A few years ago, I was painfully let go from a job. For this position, I was overqualified and underpaid to say the least. Most of the women there were- and still are. Anyway, I loved the children I worked with and most of the co-teachers. The majority of women there were kind and understanding.... Continue Reading →
We had some family in town last week, and afterwards I was completely zoned out. My brother-in-law and his wife came in from across the country with their four little ones. I rarely see them, and each time I do, there is another blonde baby! Anyway, the week was so full and fun and left... Continue Reading →
Isn't the Universe awesome? Isn't the Power of God amazing? The Creator of the Universe is speaking to me, and I want to share this with you. Sunday morning at church the message was, "The Power of Forgiveness and the Power of Unforgiveness." AND the theme of my daily devotional for the same day... Continue Reading →
Reading is one of my favorite hobbies! Since we have moved and still have much work left to do on our new home, I have not had much time to devote to diving into a story. My father-in-law bought a Sea-Doo the other day, and we have been out on the river playing as much... Continue Reading →
Yoga with Sarie 