Nourish your Body and Mind
IS GREEN YOUR COLOR?
[gallery type="rectangular" size="full" columns="1" link="file" ids="1884,1870,1878"]I am a huge fan of fruits and vegetables. Yes, I have liked these food items since I was young and before I started practicing yoga. Salads are a great source of energy. You can add so much to a salad and frankly, I believe those to be the tastiest of all. A "Busy" salad = a happy Erica! ("Busy" salads refer to salads that have a ton of toppings). If you don't feel like filling your fridge with a weeks worth of lettuce and salad toppings, I have just the place for you. Sweet Greens is my go to if I'm looking for a nice, satisfying salad that has fresh ingredients, is made to order and has a plethora of toppings to choose from. They have pre-made bowls on their menu as well as an option to create your own. I do both depending on my mood. If you aren't into "healthy" eating, give it another try. Your taste buds change every 7 years, so who knows, you may love fruits and veggies now. For those who already eat "healthy", if you haven't been to a Sweet Green or other restaurants like this, I highly recommend it. Places like this offer a great opportunity and ability to eat well even if you are on the go, traveling or in a rush. A salad never has to be boring or dull, make it colorful, fresh and of course yummy.
YOGI WARDROBE
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Can a "yogi" be fashionable? Absolutely! The athletic clothes currently on the market are very flattering, stylish and practical. The industry has really boomed over the last couple of years offering an abundance of colors, styles and materials to choose from. Large companies such as Lululemon , Athleta, and Beyond Yoga , are extremely well known and constantly providing the latest, trendiest athletic wear on the market. Yes, the price may not always make a yogi calm and centered, but the quality and longevity of these articles of clothing will leave you with a peaceful state of mind. Of course, my closet is not only full of "yogi designer" brands. I have a wonderful blend of yoga clothes from a variety of places that I mix and match together. TJ Max is a diamond in the rough. Yes, stores like this can be hit or miss, but when you hit, you will surely be glad that you still have money in the bank and didn't just limit yourself to the top-shelf brands. Don't get me wrong, practicing yoga is not a fashion contest by any means, but when you feel and look your best, its been proven to enhance your mood, well being and energy. So why not feel great on and off the mat? Speaking of mat, I am a firm believer in connecting and finding "the one" that is right for you. If you are thinking about taking your practice a little more seriously, I would suggest investing in a high quality mat that will be durable and last you years to come after many and many Vinyasa flows. You can't have a mat wear out only after a few down dogs can you? Your mat is your space, your bubble, your area. Find "the one", treat it right and it will never let you down.
EVENING PRACTICE
[gallery size="full" columns="1" link="file" ids="1887"][gallery columns="2" size="full" link="file" ids="1888,1889"][video width="720" height="900" mp4="https://ericanatal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/IMG_3808.mp4" preload="auto"][/video]Taking the time to refine your practice is vital. You won't truly understand the benefits of yoga and how important it is to access that calm state of being until you actually experience it for yourself. You don't always need to be in a studio to practice. Allow yourself to do what your body needs. Select a peaceful, safe environment, clear your mind and the rest is history. Sometimes meditation is all you are looking for, or perhaps you are craving the physical, athletic benefits; regardless, the more time you dedicate to your mental and emotional heath... the better. There is nothing that will ever replace self love. Remember, you are an incredible individual and there will only ever be ONE YOU... so love who you are and all you have to offer. Namaste. As a yoga instructor and fellow yogi, I just wanted to clarify a few misconceptions I hear all the time:
- "I'm not overly flexible." EN- Yoga is YOUR practice, make of it what you will.
- "I'm not super spiritual." EN- Yoga is a mind/body connection. Yes, some people may have a more spiritual practice but that does not dictate your practice. Your energy, thoughts, movements, and state of mind are all the essentials you will need to become "spiritually" aware.
- "I can't do inversions or any of the challenging poses." EN- Leave your ego at the door. Yoga is SO much more than that... remember it is your practice, let me repeat... PRACTICE.
- "I don't know how to mediate." EN- The journey of mental awareness will only enhance your quality of life. Being able to become more in tune and aware of you mind, body and how they work together is KEY.
- "I am a guy." EN- Yoga was only practiced by men long long ago. So yes, guys can and should do yoga.