Finding my Bliss on the beach!

Hello again ~ it sure has been awhile!

You may have heard the great news, I just finished relocating my Holistic Yoga classes to GAS Gallery & Studio in Maplewood, NJ ~ it's an amazing space ~ please come join us!

For more information, visit my site www.amysbliss.com

Additionally, I have to admit, I have been finding it challenging to enter blog posts on a regular basis ~ I guess I am just too busy finding my Bliss and living & loving life!

I am trying an alternative method by posting some videos here ~ they are unedited and therefore completely real ~ like the part when Maya surprisingly nipped me in the butt!

Enjoy!

Just click on the link,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXzR4k_6F9A

"Your Brain On Gadgets" - interesting article on NPR

"Science is beginning to embrace the idea that some technology is Twinkies and some technology is Brussels sprouts." the article says.

So, if your like me, and can feel drained by technology, get out into Nature and align with your True Nature!

I will be posting about our recent trip to Maine, where this point is further expressed - so stay tuned!

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129384107&ft=1&f=13

Enjoy!

Does Yoga & Meditation help release stress?

Recently, a journalist for a health magazine asked me how the practice of Yoga & Mediation can help release stress.

I thought I'd share some of my thoughts from the conversation here.

"Practicing Yoga & Meditation has a profound effect on the Mind, Body & Spirit.

When we use these timeless practices, we can experience balance and renewal.

While releasing tension, and restoring ourselves back to our original state of bliss, this practice helps us to receive all that we need to be present in life.

Since Yoga is a complete practice, combining our Body, Mind & Spirit. We use movement of our body, combined with focused attention to our breath, focusing our mind on positive, healing aspects and the present moment. This is just an example, as there are many things you can focus on that will help you achieve a balanced mind.

Absolutely anyone can practice Yoga & Meditation. Just find a reputable Teacher or look into some other forms of instruction like books or on the internet. No one should feel intimidated, with the right instruction, anyone can be taught how to practice Yoga & Meditation.

The most accessible aspect of Yoga that anyone can practice anywhere, is Pranayama, or Breathing Techniques. You dont have to be flexible, or even need to move. You can even practice it without anyone noticing, which is great in stressful situations. There are many different Pranayamas in Yoga.

If you are alive, you can breath!

For a simple stress or anxiety release, just breath in and out through your nose, or exhale with an open mouth.

Try to match the length of each inhale and exhale, lengthening the breath more and more until you have reached long, smooth, breaths of about equal lengths.

Then, to add to that, try extending the length of the exhales longer than the inhales.

So for example, you can put a count to the breath.

Inhale, 1, 2, 3, exhale 1, 2, 3...as long, and smooth as possible.

After awhile, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, perhaps, and if that is comfortable and you want to extend the exhales, try 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 for example.

Make sense?"

I hope you enjoyed my thoughts on the practice of Yoga & Meditation and how they can help in releasing stress.

Share the gift of yoga, send it to a friend, I am sure they will appreciate it!!

With Gratitude & Abundance always ;-))

Nothing like a good long Adho Mukha Svanasana

Nothing like a good long Adho Mukha Svanasana a.k.a. downward facing dog to relieve your body after a long hike. As well as the unlimited possibilities you can explore in such a magical place as the Green Mountains in Vermont!

Last week we had our annual visit with our favorite cousins. They are truly Kindred Spirits. We always enjoy being together, having adventures in nature and finding our Bliss!

We hiked the up this majestic mountain range. It was so surreal, the trail was literally hiking up waterfalls. The rocks were so unique, the radiant fauna & flora, and all the delicious smells...

The elevation gain was 800', and we were up at 3000'. A pretty good hike with a 10yr old and 1yr old in tow. (The 1yr old got a ride in his Papa's backpack ;-))

You can see by the view how magical these Green Mountains truly are. So, remember to Find Your Bliss, when ever, and where ever you can!

When Yoga Hurts?? a link from NY Times

I couldn't help but read this caption...NY Times writes on the subject, check out the link below.

I am happy to say their perspective completely supports our style here at Sacred Space Yoga!

Our individual classes and groups with no more than 4 people eliminates these concerns.

Be careful Yogi's & Yogini's, it can be dangerous out there!

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/24/24stretch/

An article by Judie Hurtado on the West Orange Patch!

Please enjoy this fun article ;-))

Just click on title,

More Than Just A Down Dog!

Play with your food!

I love to be creative, anytime, anywhere. It plays a big role in my bliss and essentially, part of our very existence!

As many of you know, I love connecting with nature, and always find it fascinating.

Yesterday, as I was prepping some veggies, I found myself once again in awe of the splendor and beauty of our Goddess, Mother Nature.

Now, here's the fun part. Take some produce, cut a cross section (the firmer varieties work a bit better), layer on the paint, and press on paper.

There you have it, beautiful veggie prints that can be used for just about anything.

The original makes a great image, but doesn't last ;-))

Try it today with your family. It's fun, creative, and a great way to spend quality time.

Can you guess what veggie this is?

More Mint!

Another cooling summer treat, Mint-Green Tea made in the Sun!

Its really simple, use any size glass container, fill it with fresh mint and green tea. Let it sit directly in the sun and it will be ready in as little as 10 minutes. For stronger flavor, brew longer. Place in your fridge, and enjoy throughout the day.

As we are all aware of the powerful nutritional goodness inherent in mint and green tea, why not add it into your routine today! See the links below for more info.

Enjoy!

Green Tea ~ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_tea#Health_effects

Mint leaves ~ http://healthmad.com/alternative/15-wonderful-medicinal-uses-for-mint/

Banana Mint Chocolate Chip frozen yogurt pops!

My husband, myself and our 10yr old son all really enjoy the Art of Cooking. Eating well is a huge part of our daily practice. We spend a lot of time planning, preparing, and enjoying the pleasures of healthy & delicious food, and of course, each others precious company ;-)

The other day, our son created a really delicious summer time treat. As we like to say, our creations are, "Organic, homemade, and full of love!"

Frozen bananas are something we have quite a collection of. Whenever our bananas are looking too ripe, we just put them in the freezer.

This recipe includes taking frozen bananas, simply cut off the peel and put them in your food processor. Then we added fresh mint from our garden, some 72% dark chocolate, and plain lowfat yogurt.

Blend until desired consistency, and pour into ice pop holders.

Voila, a delicious, nutritious, cooling summer time treat.

Enjoy some with your family today!

Another fun interview!

Please enjoy listening to this fun and interesting interview by Steve Toth on Real Coaching Radio Network!

http://coachsteve.audioacrobat.com/deluge/e96d12d0-6492-adfa-d1cd-e769446e0c74.mp3

A gift from the universe!

Yesterday, I arranged to take the day off and join my parents and 10 yr old son for an impromptu trip to the NJ shore.

We swam and explored all around these wonderful rocks, when I spotted some of my favorite Power Animals ~ bottlenose Dolphins!!!

There were about 4-5 pods, with at least that many in each, playing, feeding, and spraying as far as we could see!

After some research, I learned that dolphins actually swim these NJ waters...I had no idea my friends were so close ;-) This picture was taken by my son, capturing we meditating with the dolphins as they swam further and further away...I couldn't stop connecting with them ~ ~ ~

Enjoy this link about understanding your Power Animals, and read about the Dolphins.

http://www.crystalinks.com/totemanimals.html

This is a video I found of these amazing animals swimming in a river right near where we saw them in the ocean.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cp3E90Ap62A&feature=