Beginning Again
How many times have I felt the feeling of starting the yoga again? Even though I’ve maintained an almost daily practice for decades, I have waves of changes and challenges that make me feel like I am starting over time and time again.
Why Acupressure?
I often get this question, “I’ve heard of acupuncture, but what is acupressure?” A quick answer is that acupuncture and acupressure are the same system of Chinese Medicine. But where an acupuncturist would put a needle, someone using acupressure would hold or massage the same point.
Yoga as a Path
I’ve been thinking about this quote lately by Rumi: “It’s your road, and yours alone, others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it for you.” Yoga is a place to practice this concept of walking our own road, and also walking it with along with others.
The Best Cookies Ever!
Denay Woodman and Martin Bullo are the owners of Sierra Nevada Camp Chef, an adventure hospitality and catering company based in Grass Valley, CA. They are catering the Self-Care for the Soul 2024 Retreat in North San Juan! Learn more about their business and story by CLICKING HERE to visit their website.
Why Vision Boards are important to me
How do you create your visions for your life? 8 months ago I entered the world called: wedding planning. People kept asking me what was my vision and what was my inspiration for the wedding. The truth is, I didn't know what people meant. I didn't want to sound too full of myself or pompous, but my idea was to create an event that moved liked the Yuba river, had the friendliness of the trees, and the elegance of a red rose.
A day of Love in Nevada County
I got married this month. I got married after being with my partner for 19 years. Why get married now? Daniel and I get that question a lot. We don’t really have an answer for you, other than, it seemed like we shouldn’t wait any longer!
Embracing change
As we dive into the autumn season, I’ve been reflecting how the concept of change is a big part of my yoga practice.
I was feeling under the weather last week, before that I was out of town, and before that I was extremely busy with work. None of this is very spectacular or unusual for someone’s life, but it meant that my yoga practice was not as intense as I like it to be. (Photo by eberhard 🖐 grossgasteiger on Unsplash)
Why did I start AcuYogini Retreats?
There came a point in my yoga teaching, when I felt I wasn't sharing enough of my personal practice. I was teaching yoga postures, and I was doing massage therapy, but the classes and sessions weren't a reflection of the way I actually practiced. My personal practice was fusion of everything I had learned: from my massage school teachers, various yoga lineages I had studied, and my own kind of style of learning how to let go of stress. (Photo by Marek Piwnicki on Unsplash)
Why is gratitude so powerful?
“KC…let’s do this,” says my Dad. I’m sitting in my parents living room, with my Dad across from me. I’ve returned to live at home after moving away for college. He’s been politely suggesting career paths these past few months, while I’ve been spending all my time at the yoga studio and working at the local health food store. It’s 2003 and I have a dream of being a massage therapist and yoga teacher. (Photo by Gabrielle Henderson on Unsplash)
What I wish I’d known before my first yoga class
After my first yoga class, I went to my car and cried. These weren’t tears of happiness or an emotional release. These were tears of embarrassment. I remember this day well, and I think of it when someone new comes to my classes. I never assume to know anyone’s story. I greet everyone with open mind and heart. There are a few things I wish I had known before I walked into my first studio. Whether you are returning to the practice after a break, or thinking about attending a yoga class for the first time, here are 5 of my helpful tips: (Photo by Ian Stauffer on Unsplash)
What is energy anyway?
What is energy? Here is an easy to feel your energy. Notice how you feel in this very moment. Do you feel heavy or light? Awake or sleepy? Still or jumpy? Now take a deep breath, and possibly another deep breath. How do you feel now? However you feel, you just changed your energy! (Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash)
3 reasons why you won’t regret signing up for online yoga
I was skeptical too. How can online yoga be as good as in person? But what I found is that online yoga is different…and better than in person in some ways! I’ve been teaching and practicing online since March 2020. I’ve seen the students that attend my online classes go deeper into their yoga practice — in ways that weren’t possible in person. My personal practice has also gone to another level by attending online recorded classes and practicing on my own. I believe, having in person and online will always be a part of my life now. If you’re new to online yoga— Here are 3 reasons why you won’t regret signing up for my Online Yoga Membership: (Photo by Mikayla Mallek on Unsplash.)
Why go on a yoga retreat?
I remember when I was hosting the first annual AcuYogini Retreat, I thought to myself, “everyone looks like they’re having such a good time.” My immediate next thought as I laughed to myself was, “I ought to go on a retreat sometime!” This year, as I prepare to host the second annual AcuYogini Retreat next month, I took my own advice and went on a personal retreat last weekend. I definitely had some pre-retreat jitters—thinking to myself— “do I really have time to do this right now?” but I’m so happy that I set the time aside for myself because I feel refreshed, rejuvenated, and inspired. (Photo by Sage Friedman on Unsplash.)
What are the 5 Elements?
I watch the world through the 5 Elements of Chinese Medicine. I first learned about 5 Element Theory in massage school while studying acupressure and shiatsu. The 5 Elements is a system of checks and balances and is based on the idea that everything in nature is also within us. It is the theory that we are not separate from nature because we are a part of nature. The Elements of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water have a unique balance within us to create our constitution. I integrate yin yoga with the 5 Element Theory at my Retreats to help you connect with yourself and nature, and have a fun way to get to know each other. Continue reading to learn about each Element and how it relates to you…(Photo by Joshua Woroniecki on Unsplash.)
4 reasons why Metta Loving Kindness Meditation will change your life
I practice Metta, or Loving Kindness Meditation, to take good care of myself, which then helps me take good care of others. Metta is a Pali word that translates as friendliness. Metta Meditation is about creating a friendly or a kind attitude towards yourself, people, and the planet. It often involves silently saying phrases such as “may you be happy, may you be well, may you be safe.” (Photo by Vonecia Carswell on Unsplash)
Summer solstice intentions
Happy summer solstice! In the Northern Hemisphere we are experiencing longer days and warm temperatures. It is turning point and sometimes called the official start to summer. I like to reflect on this day about previous intentions I set last December and where I’m heading next.
3 steps to bring the practice of yoga into your cooking
What does it mean to bring intention into your cooking this holiday? I see life as a form of creativity, an energy, and a state of flow. Whether I’m doing yoga or holding acupressure points—I’m tapping into this power of connection between myself and the spirit of life. One place, I love to express myself is through my food and cooking. (Image by Markus Markus Spiske on Unsplash)
Acupressure for sleep
Did you know there is a power in your hands? Self-care acupressure is something accessible to everyone and easy to learn. It is a form of massage. I integrate acupressure into my bodywork sessions, I teach classes on self-care acupressure, and I practice it on myself all the time!
Mindful listening
I’ve always thought of myself as more of a listener than a talker. I find that statement interesting because I’ve made a career out of standing in front of people basically….talking! But I see my role as a teacher as someone to create dialogues. I have found my job to be about listening.
5 tips for a home yoga practice
Before the pandemic, I always had a home practice that was more of a supplement to my studio practice. Now that my home practice is my main practice, it has changed the way I do my yoga. I’m more introspective and in tune with my needs.