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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
For my entire life I have always said I will be the one to stay at home with my children, raising them. Fortunately, my husband works hard enough that I am privileged to do so. For the 28 years of life before baby, I idealized this dream. I could see my babies and me cuddled... 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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
Literally, dreaming! In the past, I have had dreams about being pregnant, when I was younger and was not ready. But since I have been pregnant (24 weeks now/6 months), and more so recently, I have had dreams about the baby. For now, in the majority of my dreams the baby is a girl. I... 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 →
Men and women are significantly different, and that is what makes the world go around. However, there are some things women will never know about men, and many things men will never understand about women and their bodies. Through my pregnancy, I have experienced more emotions than I have since my eating disorder episodes or... 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 →
Reading is one of my favorite hobbies! Ever since I was a child, I loved carrying a book around with me. I remember making my little brother sit with me as I made up the stories to pictures in the books. To this day, I am not a fast reader, but that is not my... Continue Reading →
The nausea has gotten much, much better! Thank you, God! Nausea only creeps up at night, and is not nearly as extreme as it was in the second month. I still am very fatigued, but that is part of pregnancy. I'm okay with the tiredness and think I have gotten used to it and being... Continue Reading →
After we found out that I am pregnant, I told most of my closest friends and family. It is SO DIFFICULT for me to keep a secret like this! My dream in life has always been to be a mommy, and now everything was falling into place. John, my sweet husband, has been taking care... Continue Reading →
THERE IS A BABY IN MY BELLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I thought I was pregnant; I didn't feel different or anything, but I kept having these real thoughts. Monday after I taught class, I went by the store to pick up a pregnancy test. On the phone with my best friend, we talked about our current ongoings. I... 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 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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
The other day on my Instagram story, I shared a situation I felt very strongly about. During this story, I vented about how I disagree with the use of shock collars for pets. Here is what happened and my argument: I went into the bank to change my official name, and sat down with a... Continue Reading →
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 →
Human beings are very complex and confusing creatures. As I get older, I realize that there are constantly challenges that face me, and I wonder if I will ever have a grasp on my own being. Finding my identity feels so close, yet not within arms length. I have always been the most emotional person... Continue Reading →
Regret is not something I claim. There are mistakes in my life, but I believe they all have taught me lessons. Sometimes the lesson is simply "don't do that again," or maybe the explanation is much deeper. Whatever the mistakes, everything has brought me right here, where I am meant to be. If I were... Continue Reading →
When I was a freshman in college, I had an experience with sexual assault. I never thought I would be sharing this, for various reasons. I think one of the main reasons I couldn't see myself sharing this trauma is because I couldn't admit it happened. I was not raped, beaten, bleeding, or severely injured.... Continue Reading →
Yoga with Sarie 