Stretch of the Month: Hip Opening

Shakira said it first: my hips don't lie. Have you ever squatted or bent over to find yourself feeling suddenly angry or frustrated? Not to sound like an anti-depressant commercial, but you're not alone. The anatomical significance of hips is evident, but the emotional implications are not always. Hips can be thought of as a basin for negative emotions. We women especially store years of frustration and negative emotions in those junk drawers known as hips. I've attended several hip-opening yoga classes and almost every time afterwards, I witness a woman or two crying with both relief and gratitude. I have to admit that Pigeon Pose sometimes makes me feel like I need to scream and just let it all go. So I do.

No matter your age, sex or degree of flexibility, it's never too late to stretch your hip flexor muscles. You'll also find yourself with improved mobility, flexibility and stability by practicing hip-openers bi-weekly or so. Some of my favorite asanas that are guaranteed to do the trick are High Lunge, Lizard Pose and Lotus Pose. This week I'd like to share a stretch with you that I recently learned. It has done a wonder on my hip flexors and shoulders. Be aware that this an intense hip opener and may require moderate stretching prior to attempting. Also, please excuse my goofy facial expressions!

Hip-Opening Stretch

1. Sit with your feet crossed and let your legs fall to either side at about a 45 degree angle.

2. Place your thumbs under your pits and place your hands on your chest, fingers pointing upwards. 

Make sure your elbows are outside of your knees.

3. As you inhale, keeping your spine elongated, squeeze your legs together.Your knees can be used as leverage to push your elbows closer together. This motion should cause your shoulder-blades to push outwards and the front of your shoulders inwards. Hold this pose for 3 seconds as you hold your breath.

4. Exhale and release to the starting position. Repeat 3-5 times.

The morning after this stretch, I find my hips fairly sore from all the release, so please keep your body in mind when practicing. If it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. If it does, try gradually increasing the number of repetitions of this stretch. After a few stretches, like Shakira, you'll start to feel it's right. ;)

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Core Intentions

What is at the core center of our artistic and individually unique practices in life?

For me, there are infinite reasons why I practice yoga: To balance my chakras, to reduce anxiety and stress, to truly understand my body, to become closer to my lover, to be in control of the energy around me, to expand my aura, to become more flexible, to physically see progress, to improve my digestive system, to strengthen my body, to focus my mind, to lengthen my spine, to stay true to my inner self, to build friendships, to release negativity, and to create all things beautiful and inspirational.

Pincha Mayurasana (Forearm Stand) variation

However, the center can be extremely difficult to find. Especially in the beginning.

When I began practicing last year, UAB CRCT yoga instructor Shawn Galin taught his classes something that I have continued to this day. Before each practice, instructor Shawn asked us to set an intention for the class. At first, I was a little confused and honestly a little intimidated by this simple task. Although, as a self-improvement freak, I immediately raced through the list in my head of all the things I wanted to improve on. For many months, my intentions were often trivial, college-girl desires such as, "I want to improve my grade in this class" or "I want to eat healthier." While these are undeniably healthy and productive goals to set, they weren't what I truly desired. In fact, it wasn't until I stopped asking myself what I wanted that I truly received it.

My first mistake was beginning my intentions with, "I want." Everyone wants something, but when you apply your desire to your practice, you will attain it. Wanting is superficial, but willing produces real-life progress! I finally understood this amidst a yoga high in a 105*F Bikram yoga class (perhaps influenced by my delusional state), which brings me to my next point.

Your body knows you better than you think; so, let it set the intention for you. This seems like a catch-22 because we are conditioned to set an intention before embarking on that mission. Don't be afraid to begin your practice without a single idea of what that intention is. Just be open to what your body tells you. If you are truly engaged in your practice, it never halts or ends; it can only begin. So what if you realize your intention in the last 10 minutes of a 90-minute class…or even three days after.  That intention is infinite, as is your capability to achieve it, as is the consequences it produces. Once, I asked a yoga instructor what influences him to guide a class. He simply responded, "My movements lead my words."

Bakasana (Crow Pose)

After I learned these two things, my body taught me the rest. For example, the concentration or depletion of energy from certain parts of my body revealed inner turmoil or strengths. Once I began setting intentions based on my body's reaction to my practice, all other facets of my life became simpler, more enjoyable, and more relatable. 

The best intention I ever set for myself is this: I will thank myself for all my hard work and dedication.

So, I pose these questions to you, dear reader. Is there a center to your practice? How do you set intentions? And most importantly, have you given yourself a "thank you" and pat on the back for all your hard work? Reader, I'd like to thank you. I'd like to thank you for taking the time out of your schedule to read this blog. I'd like to thank you for caring enough about yourself to have a practice and to set these intentions. I'd like to thank you for being YOU and for letting your light radiate wherever you are.

Shine on, beautiful being!

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Magnetically Magnificent

Magnetism. One of the most basic natural laws simply consisting of an electrical charge between two objects. It's found in the sun, the stars, moon–even in you and me. Magnetism is found in every organ of the body. The therapeutic values of magnets were first discovered about 2,000 years ago by Chinese doctors. Probably not in the conventional way that involves horseshoe magnets or magnetic jewelry, but in a much larger-scaled process. It's an ongoing occurrence that involves connecting the body and the universe to promote self-healing, sustenance, and radiating bliss. ☀

My roommate, Yessy, and I at Books, Beans, and Candles where we discovered these peculiar green rocks' "magnetic tentacles."

What a beautiful phenomena it is for our planet earth to be so affected and enhanced by magnetic fields! Our earthly existence is methodically patterned after unbounded galaxies. Every cell contains a field of magnetic energy that utilizes corporeal unity to nourish flowing energy. The body's collaborative efforts allow for us to truly harmonize with all that surrounds us. I began practicing yoga on a daily basis just a couple months ago for a single life-changing reason: I honor my magnetic fields and all the interconnected creations around me.

Daily practice: Greet the day.

Rain, snow, sleet, or or shine...raise your arms and open your heart each morning to greet the sun. 

This can be done by standing up straight, on your knees, or however your body feels the most open.  

♡

1. Open up your chest with each inhale and lift your arms above you. Open up the heart even more by pointing your hands behind your head and gazing upwards. 

2. Feel the energy rising from your feet to your core, as it floats to your heart and reaches your crown. 

3. Exhale only positive energy back into the air. 

Smile, if you want! ☺ 

4. Once you're comfortable, begin extending the spine as you inhale. 

5. Exhale and...just be.

6. Repeat until greeting the sun feels invigorating yet natural. Focus in on the moment. By this point, a lot of yogis/yoginis feel the "yoga high." Hence why this has become a daily routine for many!

As the energy rises up your spine and as you oxygenate your body (a natural detoxification process), the stronger your magnetic field becomes. Thus, the universe welcomes and energizes your connection. Enjoy the natural high!

ॐ☯ ♥

Namaste. 

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What is The Earthbound Experience?

"What is the Earthbound Experience?" you may ask. 

You've heard the phrase: sometimes you have to help yourself before you can help others. We'll call it a 1/4th-life crisis, an epiphany, maturing...or simply, an adventure. I began the Earthbound Experience about a month ago as an effort to renew myself from the roots up. In other words, this blog will be the composed musings, ponderings, progress, and insights from a spiritual journey based on holistic living and healing. And I would love for you, dear reader, to join me along the way.

earth·bound [ərTHˌbound] -adjective 

1. Attached or restricted to the earth

2. Attached or limited to material existence

While I realize that claiming a spiritual journey as "earthbound" sounds contradicting, this paradox emphasizes my intent: we are consistently attached and somewhat restricted by material and earthly possessions; however, we ourselves belong to the earth, so why not attain a spiritual existence to fully embrace the beautiful spectrum of life and existence?

I'm ecstatic to share my quest with you in future posts! Get ready for blogs on yoga, crystology, gemstones, aromatherapy, essential oils, herbology, massage therapy, skin care, nature, animals, good reads and anything else that contributes to my journey ahead. 

With love and admiration,
Kaylyn

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