Aloha Friday – Disconnect to Genuinely Connect

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Living in Hawaii does not exempt us islanders from getting caught up in everyday reality.  While island life does its best to distract us from our responsibilities and commitments, we can still get sucked into the grind and hustle.  People work hard to make this simple life work.  It’s not always easy, but it’s absolutely worth it. The busier I find myself juggling jobs, relationships, and my own self development, my sacred time with nature begins to suffer.

views from “work”- not too shabby

It’s deceiving. As I walk outside my front door, nature is already surrounding me.  I can see the ocean from my house. I look back and Palolo Valley reaches deep and high to the Ko’olau Mountain Ranges.  I notice it, but I’m distracted.  Driving into town, I will pass mango-tree lined streets, I see Diamond Head distinct in the distance, and plumeria flowers scattered on the sidewalks.  But I take advantage of it. My eyes take it in, and then the distractions in my mind take over.

An extra bathing suit has a home in the back of my disheveled car and has been clutch when I can steal a few minutes in between commitments to jump in the water at Kaimanas.   But even that feels like a shallow connection. Yes I was able to get my “fix” of Ocean time which always makes me feel better. But again, my mind was not focused on the sea and it’s restorative energy.  Physically, I got sandy and salty.  Mentally, my mind was with my  damn phone checking e-mails, sending texts, and making appointments.

Time to disconnect to connect. Meaning PHONE OFF (or at least on airplane mode so I could still take pictures ;) )  Yesterday my roomie, pup Reeces and I decided to hike Wa’ahila Ridge up St. Louis Heights.  The deeper or higher I get into a hike, the farther away “reality” seems.  I reach a place where time doesn’t matter and agenda’s don’t exist.  I’m not thinking about the past and not planning for the future.  I’m in the here and the now, the most beautiful and authentic location to reside.

Do yourself a favor and get out into nature this weekend.  Turn your phone off, leave the laptop shut and get on a trail.  Live somewhere with no trail in site?  Go to a garden, lake, river, park, ocean, anything. REALLY tune into the beauty of creation.  Meditate in it.  Let it nourish your essence.  You’ll end the day feeling more connected than ever.

Happy Aloha Friday and have a beautiful weekend! xo

Motivation Monday: Vibrant Wellness Journal

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Yoga Asana of the Week: Deconstructing Downward Facing Dog

Post Wanderlust, I was approached by Andrea- yogi/ vegetarian chef/ nutritional counselor/ cooking instructor /overall health enthusiast.  Andrea introduced her website Vibrant Wellness Journal, and explained her personal commitment to holistic health and wellness. My ears perked up, especially when she asked if I would like to become a Yoga contributor. Another way to integrate two of my most prodigious passions? Easy answer! So here it is.  My first Yoga Asana article. I will also be offering up other insight into Yoga practice including meditation, pranayama, and philosophy. Check back every Monday to deconstruct a new pose with me and learn more about postures and alignment!  Namaste & mahalo nui loa.

 

LOVE DOES

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The ingredients for a perfect Hawaiian weekend?

Short answer:  LOVE / SUN / SAND / OCEAN / SURF / YOGA/ GRINDS

REPEAT

Longer Answer: start reading ;)

It’s starts with coffee… really good coffee. Flown in all the way from Washington and personally delivered to me by amazing Pacific Northwest living mountain boyfriend Jared.

Leisurely breakfasts always follow, and a road trip to Oahu’s most beautiful beach ensues.  Hours are spent at Yokohama with the majority of the day drifting underwater diving and shelling.  The colors on the largely untouched Westside are insane. Yes insane is the only word to describe it.  The mountains are glowing green.  The Ocean is on acid with blends of blues. The clarity is beyond impressive.  We have to break once before hanger (hunger + anger) gets the best of us.

Lunch that day is served farm to table at Kahumana Farms deep in Waianae.  Fresh organic greens are served straight from the garden that I can see from my seat as I grind away on my grilled ahi salad.  WOOFERS (Workers on Organic Farms) pile into the community style cafe and we learn that they help run the 9 acre farm.  We take a self guided tour and check out the different types of fruits and veggies  growing steady from the Hawaiian soil.  I also make a mental list of all the things I want growing in my future garden. ;)

We head back to Yokes for a few more rounds of shelling and sun worshipping before driving back into town to our favorite Indian restaurant Maharini’s.  This place never lets you down. Sorry, no food porn pictures!

The next morning, (leisurely breakfast and coffee checked off the list) it’s yoga photo shoot time with two of my  favorite (and very talented) people –  photographer/writer Mike Keany and model/stylist Tiare Thomas.

My mountain man gets some mountain time trail running and getting muddy while we get to work updating my portfolio and practicing yoga in the forest (and stealing a few moments of nature bliss/moments of quiet.)

More beach time and of course, more food time.  The dinner menu tonight is Greek- and the only place to go for Greek on Oahu is BYOB chill spot The Olive Tree in Kahala. Kanack attacking once again, sleep comes easy (except for the thought of having to take Jared back to the airport the next day). But before airport comes surfing.

Diamond Head is windy (no surprise), messy and all over the place, but damn it felt good to be out and paddling again after a 3 month hiatus (see fractured fibula + laziness).  Jared requests fish tacos for his last meal (really he request it almost every meal) but I don’t mind and something about surf and fish tacos just go together.

After lunch, I reluctantly take him to the airport, anticipating next week when it’s my turn to fly to him.  We’re definitely racking up the frequent flier miles. Splitting time between Seattle & Honolulu and holding on to the best of both worlds we have and share with each other.

I think Bob Goff’s words in his book “Love Does” (which J bought for me) says it best, “That’s because love is never staionary. In the end, love doesn’t just keep thinking about it or keep planning for it.  Simply put: love does.” The most obvious and recent example is Jared’s spontaneous flight to Hawaii to spend this weekend with me.  But his love goes beyond flights and trips, adventures and suppling me with great coffee ;) He demonstrates a love full of sacrifice, patience, presence and truth. He reminds me that love isn’t just a word, it’s an action. Love doesn’t just say or feel. LOVE DOES.

MindBodyGreen : 5 Tips to Tame the Yoga Ego

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I’ve had a lot of luck in the writing department lately from being published in Origin Magazine to joining the team at Vibrant Wellness Journal.  This morning, another blessed surprise found its way to my inbox from MindBodyGreen.  My article (5 Tips to Tame the Yoga Ego) had been reviewed and published on their site!  My piece started as a response to my (minor) instagram addiction and my (major) inspiration for following yogis & their circus freak photos.  Yes, it looks incredible and stunning. Yes, I am a little jealous that I can’t do it.  But ultimately, does it feel good in your body? Is there integration and ease in the posture? Are you even breathing?   Despite all these questions, I still found myself wanting to test out some of the cirque du soleil poses.  But instead of compensating my own practice for something that looked aesthetically pleasing, I decided to write about it.  Yogi’s around the world, I still find inspiration in your scorpion poses and beautiful inversions with no hands, but don’t expect to see any of that on my instagram feed.  But who am I kidding, you will still find plenty of #yogilife motivated photos. (instagram: lschipper)

So here it is, 5 Tips to Tame the Yoga Ego , because we all know that self-pride and admiration comes out every once in a while.

Below are a few of my admirable friends with even more admirable practices. No ego involved. They practice and play on their mat with ease and intelligence- to express not impress. 

peanuttbrown
momoross
yogaformyhomies, tarallavery

 

What Teaching Has Taught Me

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I’m only two weeks into teaching and my head is spinning with new insight! First of all, teaching is SUCH a humbling experience.  I am still dealing with the  innate feeling that I need to be “perfect.” That I need to create this amazing sequence & class that will leave everyone in tune with their breath, feeling heavenly in their body, and blissed out of their mind (leading to everyone becoming happier and more mindful human beings, which would then lead to healthier relationships, a closer community, a more compassionate world… It’s serious business you see! Yoga can change the world!) :)

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But I digress.

I will hold myself to a standard of grace, not perfection.

I have made this my mantra. No one else is expecting perfection, why should I?  Teaching yoga, (or anything really) forces you to swallow your ego and open up to vulnerability.  I know that I don’t know everything, (google usually has my back) but I do want students to trust in my ability to guide them through asana, pranayama, meditation, the whole kit and caboodle knowing they are in good hands.  Yoga is a personal experience, but people are paying a pretty penny to unroll their mat and take my class.

  That’s where my own pressure comes in and my rational thoughts go out.  My mind says, “these people are taking 90 mins out of their busy schedule to unify their mind, body, and breath. And they are looking to me for a little bit of guidance.”

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So that’s where my second insight comes in… it’s not about you.  No not you…. It is about YOU, it’s not about ME.  Yep, I’m there and doing most of the talking. I’m sequencing and enhancing and telling you where to put your leg and when to inhale and exhale, but really I’m just providing a safe space for you to practice and play on your mat.  I’ve been lucky enough to immerse myself in the practice and learn incredible amounts from my training, but there is still SO much I have no idea about AND I’m clueless as to how you are interpreting what I am saying.  You’re probably in your own mind anyways about what you are going to make for dinner. ;)  Again, yoga is a personal experience, it is about YOU.

Ok good, so remembering that takes a little bit of the pressure off.  Which leads to a further insight… as long as I am there for the right reasons, and speaking from an authentic place, I can walk away from the studio and class at peace. I don’t need applause (why do people do that in hot yoga?!) or students telling me class was amazeballs (although encouragement and constructive feedback is always appreciated).  I will see it in your faces and feel it in your energy. On that note: SMILES are always accepted during practice.  It lets me know you are still happy and you don’t hate me. Please and Thanks.

My last insight (for this post) is that I have the most AMAZING and SUPPORTIVE community.  As word spread of me teaching, I received an abundance of encouragement and felt a genuine warmth and excitement.  My friends, colleagues, and teachers wanted to take my class more than I wanted them to take them (they have to wait until I am perfect of course! ;) ) So thank you for all the faith, confidence, support, feedback and optimism you provide for me.  From the mainland to the islands, I feel your energy and compassion.

mahalo nui loa and namaste peeps. xo

“Where I Find Solace” : Published in Origin Magazine!

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Origin: The Conscious Culture Magazine

Mission: We are the Platform for Art, Culture, Conscious Lifestyle, Humanitarianism, Sustainability and Yoga.  We are creating cohesive and connected Art + Conscious Community that Collaborates + Creates, builds bridges and breaks barriers.  We are a channel for transformation, connection, vision, intention, and creation.

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The more reading I did, the bigger fan I became. It’s time to shine, not shrink.  Vulnerable is the new strong. We don’t do boring.  The potential and possibilities are endless. Yes! Yes! Yes! Origin and I are on the same page- which is why I am SO EXCITED that I was chosen to be in the pages of their new issue!

photoA few months ago, Origin posed the question, “Where do you find solace?” with select answers being chosen for their upcoming print issue.  My strong connection to nature being my muse for pretty much everything, I found that my unconditional love for creation poured over into my writing again.

“I find solace in the island’s breathtaking mountain ranges, getting lost in the thick of green,and the smell of Earth.  I find solace in the depths of the sea, surrendering to the ebb and flow of the Ocean.  My peace comes from total absorption with Mother Nature.  The way she lets me expand and feel alive, wile gently reminding me to stay humble and forever grateful.”  

It is an honor to be featured in this intention filled and mindful publication. Many Mahalos to Origin, their team, and especially whoever picked my answer :)

Check out what Origin is all about and go grab an issue  at your nearest Whole Foods or Barnes and Nobles!

Motivation Monday – Staying Inspired

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Living for creativity, knowledge, health and mindfulness these days. I’ve been inspired by so much that I don’t feel I’ve had a moment to sit down and process all the new that’s entering my life and the changes occurring in my own mind and body. Working at the Juice Box has provided me with a new network of like minded mind-body conscious individuals. Our conversations jump easily from organic produce and nutrition to documentaries, music, philosophy, our goals, and sustainability. The best perk is I am completely spoiled with ridiculous amounts of juice. My favorite combo so far is celery, kale, spinach, apple, carrot, beet, lemon and ginger. Drinking a glass of that makes me feel like I can take on the world. I literally feel my body soaking in all the nutrients within the first sip. It’s. just. So. GOOD.

When I’m not bouncing off the walls from juice, I am trying to ground and find my voice and teaching style with yoga. Sequencing is a creative Outlet and I really look forward to sharing my passion for the practice with others. My home practice has developed and I’m in a routine of 6AM wake-ups to start my sun salutations… And I’ve come to expect needing a 15 min nap in the afternoon.

My interest in gardening and growing my own food continues to develop AND there is a community garden that I have reached out to in hopes that I will have a plot by summer! It will definitely be a learning process as I know nothing about growing food (but I’m an expert at eating it ;) )

Opportunities to stay involved in creative projects and nurture my hobbies have come up. Photography has always been a passion and videography has caught my attention too. Voicing my interest, my friend Tiare let me accompany her on a shoot and I got to shadow two amazing cinematographers and play with their cameras a bit.

And last but not least, channeling these words of wisdom, “sometimes I have to remind myself that I don’t have to do what everyone else is doing.” There isn’t one way and there isn’t a right way. Life is not a linear sequence of planned out events that will get you from A to B. And as frustrating as it might be sometimes, following in footsteps and society’s definition of “success” clearly isn’t my style.
Stay happy. Stay stoked. Say inspired.

Happy Monday!