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 →
Let’s Talk Self-LOVE
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 →
Putting Value in The Self
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 →
Honoring your time and yourself
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 →
Yoga Poses for Every Day
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 →
Importance of Positive Thoughts
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 →
Need ENERGY? 4 tips for a natural energy boost!
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 →
Yogi diaries 6
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 →
Welcome to Mamahood!
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 →
Birth Plan
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 →
Stress Levels: Wedding Planning vs Baby Prep
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 →
13-16 weeks pregnant
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 →
How to ‘let go’ and allow your true self to shine.
"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 →
Mindful Walk
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 →
When No One Shows for Yoga
In the past few months, I have had more "no-shows" in my classes than I have had in 1.5 years teaching in Nashville. Moving to a much smaller city where people are unsure of yoga has really opened my eyes. I was prepared for fewer people in class and even getting paid less. However, I... Continue Reading →
More Than Asana
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 →
Noccalula Falls
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 →
introverted and sleepy
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 →
The Art of Forgiveness
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 →
I’m on a mission to truly love my body.
I'm going to be quite honest. This is something that I still struggle with, literally on a daily basis. I feel like I keep getting bigger; some days I am okay with it because I can see the muscle and feel my strength. And some days I hate how soft and full my body is.... Continue Reading →
WHY ‘HEALING Yoga: Volume 1’
Why did I write and publish the electronic book, "Healing Yoga: Volume 1"? Why is this guide for YOU? How does one stay committed to the healing process? There are so many yoga guides, books, teachers, and resources out there! With all this information, it is important that we search for the truth. Why do... Continue Reading →
Yoga Practice 8
This is the last yoga practice pose I will be posting for a while, giving you plenty of time to catch up with your postures and possibly improving! Chair Pose Begin in Tadasana, Mountain pose, taking several rounds of breath to settle into your body. Keep the belly hugging into the spine. Imagine pulling... Continue Reading →
Yoga Practice 7
Adho Mukha Svanasana Downward-facing dog is one of the most popular poses you'll see in class and for many great reasons! It is considered an "inversion" because the head is lower than the heart and therefore raises the heart rate. You stretch the hamstrings, the back, and even the ankles! To enter Downward Dog: Begin... Continue Reading →
Yoga Practice 6
Paschimottanasana or Seated forward fold. This is one of my favorite GO-TO poses! This bend stretches the hamstrings, helps calm the mind, and decreases depression. Begin in Dandasana (Practice 3). Keep the naval pulling into the spine and the legs flexed and engaged. Toes point to the sky. Inhale and push the tailbone back, away... Continue Reading →
Yoga PRACTICE 2
This week, we will practice Sukhasana, or easy pose! To enter this pose, come to a seated position. Both legs fold in toward the torso, with one leg in front of the other. The knees fall outward. Press down through the tailbone, and extend the spine upward. Think of lengthening the back. Allow the crown... Continue Reading →
Autumn Photos
Fall Photos taken at Percy Warner Park October 2016 Photos by: John McNair