July 27, 2010
In April, I wrote about 100 Incredible Yoga Teachers Who Blog. It was exciting to find many sites I was already reading, along with new ones I’d not yet discovered. The list was compiled by NursingSchools.net.
A few days ago, another site peaked my interest. OnlineNursingPrograms.net also composes a list. Again, several yoga blog friends made the list: EcoYogini, Nadine Fawell, ShinyYoga, The Joy of Yoga, Suburban Yogini, and its all yoga, baby are among them. I am so happy for all of these lovely yoginis! Congratulations!
I’m not certain of the difference between these two organizations, or if they are in fact connected. To my surprise though, I got an email this morning from a representative of NursingSchools.net who wrote,
“Hi,
I recently discovered your blog, and I have become a frequent reader.” (writes more, and then . . .) “Thanks again for the great content, and I hope the article I’ve linked primes your interest.”
I was flattered by his email, as this site honors so many other yoga teachers I too adore. He asked if I would be interested in sharing the following page with you, called 10 Things You Never Knew About Yoga. I found it interesting.
Upon further research, I thought I would post this handy badge on my site. If you enjoy my blog, feel free to vote for me for next year’s award.
Brought to you by: Online Nursing Programs
If you haven’t yet checked out my newest project, thriftEEE, please do so. I’d love for others to join me in the adventure. I’ve already had a few insights about the project. I’ll be writing about it in the near future.
Peace Love & Light,
3 Comments | 
blogging, writing, yoga | Tagged: awards, top yoga blogs, online nursing programs, nursingschools | 
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Posted by Namaste_Heather
July 23, 2010
As always, I’ve had a lot of synchronicities in my life lately. Mostly, it’s revolved around my shopping choices, money, friends, new acquaintances and Etsy. I’ve also been having a lot of bad dreams that have led to further examination. Yesterday, I wrote about Mindful Consumerism. I will be committing to a project in late August or early September which will allow me to choose only six primary pieces of clothing for the month. I can wear those six pieces exclusively but can “change my outfits up” by accessorizing in any way I choose.
The SYNCHRONICITIES: 1 – Having less money and using the credit card more for regular living expenses such as groceries and gas. Hate this! All will be paid off by the end of August, but living beyond our means makes me uncomfortable. Dreams ensued. 2 – I’ve been thinking of opening an Etsy shop, plus a friend of mine, Lauren (aka Salt of Salt Says . . .) just announced her opening for love/salt yesterday. I bought some beautiful Om/Namaste earrings from her! 3 – Another friend, Yancy, who happens to run a lovely Etsy shop called 5Seed is also planning upcoming posts surrounding apparel and mindful consumerism on her blog. 4 – A new acquaintance, Lela of NaturallyLela, left a comment on my blog a few days ago. She has an Etsy shop and is sending me an organic mat spray to try out. 5 – Both Yancy and Lela have been sweet enough to offer a product each in my first ever upcoming *GIVEAWAY* ! More to come on this . . . Stay Tuned!
Why am I telling you all this? I had an idea this morning that stirred me. I couldn’t go back to sleep. The thoughts kept flowing, which lead to . . .
(Notice it’s an eco-friendly, energy saving lightbulb idea)
The acronym thriftEEE stands for the Thrift Store & Everything Etsy Experiment. It is a loose project that anyone can join. Here’s how . . .
- Select the number of months in which you’d like to commit
- Only buy apparel, accessories, jewelry (and anything else you can think of . . . stationary, beauty products, etc.) from thrift stores, yard sales, antique stores and Etsy (Etsy is an online marketplace for buying and selling all things handmade and vintage)
- Join/Like/Follow the thriftEEE page on Facebook
- Follow thriftEEE on Twitter
- Examine and blog about your shopping choices through the experiment and share your links on the thriftEEE Facebook page and on Twitter
- Copy and paste the thriftEEE logo (above) in a blog post or on your side bar, linking back to this post
- Add comments here and on those sites with ideas for expanding the experiment!
Green your life. Reduce – Reuse – Recycle. Support Etsy friends. Give one-of-a-kind gifts by shopping this way. Examine your shopping choices. Learn. Grow. Explore.
I am publicly committing to this project for three months beginning today! Who is with me? I cannot wait to connect and share experiences with all of you and possibly make new friends along the way!
Peace Love & Light . . .
9 Comments | green, living our yoga | Tagged: living our yoga, green, fun, consumerism, thriftEEE, Etsy, connection, vintage, handmade, awesome, connect | Permalink
Posted by Namaste_Heather
July 22, 2010
Isn’t it funny how life works in cycles? On a road of self discovery regarding food for about the last two years, it spilled over to the products I buy for skin and hair. Remember my hair experiment post? I am happy to say that I now use bulk organic shampoo that is refilled at The Farmacy, a health food store of sorts, about an hour away. While the drive is a factor, I must drive an hour in any direction to get to a yoga studio and Athens has one I love! In my visit to Athens, I’ll typically take a class, go to the farmers market, visit the Farmacy and eat at a restaurant that serves all local food. To me, it is worth it.
Did I mention that this shampoo is ALL I use now? No conditioner. No hairspray. No blow dryer. Every now and then I’ll use apple cider vinegar to rinse, or sometimes Dr. Bonner’s Castile Soap diluted in water. It makes my hair softer. Some can use it as a shampoo. It just didn’t work for me in that way. It does work, however, as a body/face soap and to condition my hair. I now buy it in bulk too – less plastic! Because it is all natural and made with oils, I no longer use lotion on a regular basis. Coconut oil if my skin is dry works perfectly well just out of the shower. Less is more is a true statement for me, and I’m excited to have made the changes in my life. There is less clutter and it makes traveling so much easier. To continue on this path, I’m going to examine more closely my cosmetic choices. Luckily, I read Y’s blog at fiveseed yesterday, which provided wonderful information about the cosmetics industry. Check it out! I don’t wear much makeup anyway, eyeliner and mascara from time to time. But this post and further examination may allow me to go further on this path as well.
Next topic: I just found this site today, through a New York Times article. Have you heard of six items or less? It was an experiment that began on June 21st and concluded yesterday. People signed up and pledged attempted to wear six items of clothing or less for one month. The six items did not include underwear, swimwear, workout apparel, outer apparel, etc. As the site says, it’s an open pledge, or experiment examining the power of what we don’t wear. They plan to run another challenge sometime at the end of August or beginning of September. I signed up today. If interested, visit the sixitemsorless site and sign up too. Leave me a comment, telling me you did so. We can encourage each other once the challenge starts.
Happy Thursday! Peace Love and Light . . .
13 Comments | green, mindfulness | Tagged: apparel, bulk items, choices, consumerism, cosmetics, experiment, Farmacy, food, growth, hair care, mindful consumerism, mindfulness, sixitemsorless | Permalink
Posted by Namaste_Heather
July 20, 2010
It’s an hour drive to a yoga studio in any direction from my home. Aside from teacher training, most of my practice has been self-taught. I practiced asana sporadically, but became immersed in yogic philosophy early on. I couldn’t get enough of it, but I really didn’t understand it. Being a lone yogi, I knew I wanted and needed to go deeper, but was terrified on the first day of teacher training. Dreadful thoughts raced through my mind: Did I know enough? Was I good enough? I was fortunate to have an extremely giving and kind teacher who, to me, embodies the spirit of yoga. I remember her talking about her own experiences, thinking to herself . . . I can never know enough. I must go deeper. And then in her next breath, telling us not to get caught up in this syndrome. All of us were and are enough right now, in this very moment! Since then, my practice has evolved to include a healthy asana practice, as well as incorporating the eight limbs of yoga into my daily existence.
In June, as part of the 21.5.800 Challenge, I decided to focus my practice with meditation. Practicing yoga is easy and natural. Practicing meditation? Oh the sitting. Oh the angst. Necessary? Yes! What was really getting to me was all of the negative things I was “saying”. I can’t stop my thoughts, but my effort in meditation is to turn those negative self beliefs into positive ones. Off to sit . . .
So many people define meditation in varying ways. My internalization is that it is simply a practice of quieting my mind so that my true nature can be revealed. Sitting in the negative is hard. Depending on my inner landscape on any given day, I will sometimes use affirmations and visualizations and then sit. I’ve certainly not yet reached Samadhi, the last of the 8 Limbs of Yoga. Most of the time, I linger between Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses) and Dharana (concentration), only reaching Dhyana (meditation) in ever brief moments. I’ve learned a lot about myself, and can’t wait to keep learning, growing. It’s all about practice, doing the work. Everyday.
I just said to my husband last week . . . “How can anyone ever get bored with everything there is to learn in the world? There is so much wonder in the examining of it all.” Since I have so many wonderful yogi friends who read my blog, I invite your thoughts and insights.
- Do you practice meditation, and if so, in what format? What struggles do you have with practicing meditation?
- Besides yoga, what other practices do you use for personal growth?
Peace Love and Light on your journey, as I’m trying to find the same on mine. 
10 Comments | living our yoga, mindfulness, yoga | Tagged: yoga, meditation, teacher training, learning, growing, exploring | Permalink
Posted by Namaste_Heather
July 14, 2010
When I first began teaching yoga in 2007, I was looking for a facility in which to teach. Besides my regular workplace at the time, I was hitting walls. I get these lightbulb moments from time to time . . . Yoga Parties, I thought to myself. Brilliant, Heather! I did a few, then began regular classes at FMC, Ohio U and Zane State, so, I haven’t offered them in a while. Now seems to be a good time to do so. With work and children, fitting in a weekly yoga class may be hard to schedule. This may be the answer.
A Yoga Party is just like it sounds. Contact up to 10 friends who are interested in learning and/or practicing yoga. Open your home or other location. Outdoor locations are wonderful in the warmer weather! Invite me. Voila . . . we have a Yoga Party. The nice thing about yoga parties is that YOU and your friends get to decide how the class goes. And you can all relax with a bottle of wine to conclude the evening. Bliss! Here are some ideas for Yoga Parties . . .
- Want to have a “Girls’ Chill Night”? Restorative yoga and meditation may be just the thing.
- Want a bit of a work-out? Heat up with Sun Salutations and lots of standing poses, then wind down in Savasana.
- All beginners? This is a great way to start, in the privacy of your own home, among friends.
- Want to establish a regular home practice? Kick it off with a yoga party.
- Storytime Yoga for kids and adults. Listen to a story or fable. Act it out through yoga. Read another Storytime Yoga article here.
- Yin Yoga for deep stretching.
- Guided Imagery and meditation.
- Outdoor yoga with a nature meditation.
- A combination of any above.
What about hosting a Yoga Party for these occasions . . .
- Bachelorette Parties
- Bridal Showers
- Baby Showers
- Birthday Parties
- Holiday Celebrations
- Wedding Weekends
- My favorite occasion of all . . . just for the heck of it!
The sky is the limit.
Interested? Contact me at namaste (dot) heather (at) yahoo for scheduling and prices. Or connect and leave a message on my Namaste ~ Heather Facebook page. Let’s get this party started!
12 Comments | yoga | Tagged: excitement, fun, Storytime Yoga, yoga, yoga party, you have to do this! | Permalink
Posted by Namaste_Heather
July 4, 2010
I’ve been thinking a lot about writing. I just haven’t been able to bring myself to do it, until today. What to write about? I’ve thought this a lot lately. I have nothing to say. Today I have something to say, about having nothing to say. I’m in a BEing mode. I didn’t know what would come of the 21.5.800 Challenge, but it seems the major life affecting aspect of it has been the cultivation of a meditation practice. I don’t have a monkey mind. I have a jungle mind, meaning there are multiple monkeys in there. It is frustrating sometimes, but I’ve come to realize it is part of my nature and my journey is to exist with it, along with learning ways to quiet the jungle.
Part of my new mode of being vs. doing also has to do with the weather, I think. During cooler months I am online more, writing and reading. With the expansion of our new deck (which is fabulous BTW – thanks to my wonderful husband), along with the warmer weather, I’ve spent more time either reading books or doing nothing. I hang out in nature. It is easier to meditate there, and the jungle metaphor makes me laugh. How can all of these monkeys be jumping around when there are so many other useful, beautiful sounds in the jungle?
It used to feel so wrong doing nothing, but I rather enjoy it these days. It used to be that if I wasn’t doing something productive, I wasn’t doing anything. Nowadays doing nothing feels like the right place for me to be. Don’t misunderstand. My house is clean, our clothes are washed, I still cook. But sips of no-thing-ness is wonderful. I’ve also been swimming more this Summer, something I haven’t done much since I was a kid – and I was a fish (or maybe a glamorous mermaid) in those days!
So, if you read my blog, you may get less from me for a while, unless I feel I have something rather useful to say. I still visit all of my favorite blogs, especially since I get a lot of posts via email. However, I read them from my iPhone and often don’t comment. I hope you’ll understand. I wish you peace in the meantime. Here is a passage from the main book I’m reading now, The Essential Dalai Lama – His Important Teachings, edited by Rajiv Mehrotra:
“When peace reigns in the mind, one is always happy, even if external conditions are not ideal.
The body can gain health, but without peace of mind no happiness is possible, not even under the best conditions.”
8 Comments | life, mindfulness | Tagged: being, doing, happy, meditation, no-thing-ness, peaceful, writing | Permalink
Posted by Namaste_Heather
June 20, 2010
Today, or tomorrow depending where you live, is Summer Solstice. It occurs for us tomorrow very early. Summer Solstice, also known as Midsummer’s Day in parts of Europe, is the first day of Summer and a time when the day is at maximum length. Winter Solstice, it’s opposite, has the shortest day and longest night. I find that as I get older and internalize my yoga practice more, I feel certain shifts in my own life based on the seasons.
In Ohio, we are blessed with great changes in the seasons; experiencing a lot of heavy snowfall in the winter, weird fluxuating temperatures in the Spring, beautiful Fall colors in Autumn and blistering heat in the Summer. The sun is shining today and it is approximately 90 degrees F.
I have to laugh at people who complain about the weather. No degree (pun intended) of *bitching* will change it. I absolutely love all of the seasons and what they bring to my life. Swimming. Snow skiing. Water skiiing. Hiking. Rollerblading. Biking. Snowman building. Kayaking. Every season is different and I look forward to the activities each one brings. Some activities can be done all year long. Hiking is one I adore no matter the season; a hot Summer day is quite different from exploring hills, caves and trails with inches of snow on the ground in solitude!
Each of the solstices is a pause between the change in nature. Both provide us with a time to pause, evaluate, be present and to learn to be in harmony with the changing flow of natural forces. Part of the blessing of Summer is the longer daylight. It’s the perfect time to celebrate individuality and creativity. It is recognized as a time for completing what has gone before and for establishing intentions for the time yet to come.
It is interesting, and sad actually, how out-of-touch we’ve become with nature in our hectic, work-driven society. Many people don’t know what the solstices and equinoxes are and they certainly don’t celebrate them. In ancient times the sun was worshiped. It was a source of livelihood. Crops need sun and rain to flourish. Farmers would celebrate the Summer Solstice with rituals to help their crops grow.
Today I honor Summer Solstice by thanking the Universe for her beautiful gifts each season. I was going to travel to Cincinnati Ohio for a Yoga Summer Solstice Celebration, but couldn’t justify the three hour drive for just a few hours of celebration. My soul needs the outdoors and I couldn’t find an outdoor event any closer. So, I am writing, reflecting on my back porch now, feeling the gentle breeze on my skin. I plan to soak up some sun, take a swim and practice Sun Salutations in my backyard. Finally, I’ll meditate on the blessings that this day has brought to me.
p.s. My new header will be up later this week. I saw the draft yesterday and LOVE it! *FAB-U-LOUS!* In the meantime, this one will suffice as it matches my new colors. Can’t wait to see what you think!
6 Comments | living our yoga, mindfulness, writing, yoga | Tagged: yoga, writing, meditation, Summer Solstice | Permalink
Posted by Namaste_Heather
June 18, 2010
I’ve been spending a lot of time journal writing as part of the 21.5.800 Challenge. I don’t know how much it has helped. As an active participant in my thoughts, journaling seems to excite it which I do not need. However, I suppose getting the thoughts out does just that. They don’t continue to circle . . . in my head. Plus, it seems writing is easier because of it. Words flow more freely.
As far as the challenge, I’ve missed the mark at 800 Words by two days, but I’m not beating myself up over it. Like everything else, life gets in the way. However, I have also noticed a few things about myself that sabotage me, so its good information I am using to move past the deficiency.
What has helped the most in the challenge is my new-found meditation practice, which in turn has led to even more mindfulness throughout my days. It is, in fact, a catalyst for making a change to how I plan to teach classes at OhioU this summer. Since we will have four hours together per week in a compressed 5 week quarter, here’s what I’m planning: a yoga class, meditation outside and then writing/creative time to finish. I am hopeful that students learn something about themselves through the process.
Today, my writing consisted of a new Associated Content article about the Eight Limbs of Yoga, an Examiner article about the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure and this blog post. (It may take the AC article a day or so to be available.) Other than that, it was a simple day, enjoying the sunshine and swimming. Next: a relaxing evening by the fire with my hubby, sipping on Chardonnay, relaxing.
Happy Friday! They sure aren’t what they used to be. They’re better!
3 Comments | blogging, life, mindfulness, writing, yoga | Tagged: 21.5.800, AC, challenge, Examiner, J, meditation, OU-L, Things I Love, writing, yoga | Permalink
Posted by Namaste_Heather
June 13, 2010
It’s interesting what yoga, meditation and writing can do for a person. Since starting the 21.5.800 Challenge on Tuesday, I’ve noticed a huge shift in my daily awareness. Focusing first on me, me, me, as evidenced by my last two posts, I had to stop. Sometimes its good to be introspective, but at what point do we focus our attentions outward? I think about others a lot, but I’m also a bit more introspective than necessary. I’m hoping meditation helps with this, inviting my presence within and examining my thoughts, instead of continuing to let them take over completely. Life isn’t complex; our egos make it so. I aspire to so much and I hope I continue to evolve into my fullness over the rest of the challenge. I am searching deeply to unite my negativity toward my neighbors into something positive, like yoga activism. There has to be an easier way to live harmoniously with people who are difficult, but obviously in need of someone reaching out to them. Life is always interesting, awesome and humbling.
I’ve been doing great with my yoga practice and have enjoyed it mainly outdoors. I also started a more regular, directed meditation practice. This is something I want to continue after the challenge, as I feel its already been so beneficial. I can see it creeping into the rest of my existence and I love that.
Yesterday, unfortunately, I was unable to write. M had a softball tournament for the end of her season and I was away from home from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. I decided that between today and tomorrow I would write 1200 words each day to make up for the loss. On the first day of the challenge, I discovered a website called 750 Words. Its been a wonderful tool. Instead of posting them, I’ve written freely, just letting it pour out. I guess it been more journal writing than anything, but I think its been helpful and healing. I didn’t think I needed to write in this way. It turns out I was wrong. I love the process of writing for an audience. For me, its writing, editing, re-reading, editing some more and posting. I guess I like to to look at what I’ve written analytically. However, too much of this isn’t helpful to my process. Free writing, or journal writing has allowed me to get some thoughts and feelings out in a meaningful, constructive way. Today I wrote 1216 words not counting this post.
How is everyone else doing with the challenge? Struggles? Insights?
Happy Sunday. 
p.s. Notice the different font colors on my page? A new friend, Willie, who is an Illustrator, is creating a completely unique header for me. I’m so excited. The new colors are in preparation for this. Coming soon!
6 Comments | writing, yoga | Tagged: 21.5.800, challenge, journal writing, meditation, writing, yoga | Permalink
Posted by Namaste_Heather
