Full Lotus

Full Lotus

Take a little time every day to relax and meditate even if it's a quick shower or walk around the block. Feel your breath travel through your body. Breathe starting from the crown of your head through your whole body and down to your toes. Let your breath wash through your body like a wave. Imagine the oxygen cleansing every inch of you, bringing purity and peace.

If you have time, the easy seated pose is a good start, and if you want more of a hip opening challenge try a half lotus or full lotus seating position.

Enjoy your TGIF yoga!

Namaste XOXO, MiddleCoastMommy

Double Post

Bahai Honda State Park (2009)

This week I attended a Literacy conference, so I've been a little behind on a few things. Thus the combo TBT and TGIF Yoga post!

Tomorrow is the first day of summer and it makes me think of the beach.

Dancer's Pose Work in 

While at the beach it may be easy to relax, but most time we aren't at the beach and face daily frustrations just like everyone else. Instead of using our frustrations in a negative manner let us try to focus on channeling that energy away in the most peaceful way possible. The balance and strength of the "dancers pose" is perfect for frustration. Not only are you grounding your feet, but you're also stretching out and channeling your energy, thoughts, prayers out and into this world.

Remember that yoga is "yogahhh" and not "yogouch." We're not perfect at life, and none of us are perfect at yoga. Even the ultimate yogi is not perfect. Listen to your body. Respect your body. And change the world.

Happy Father's Day!

June 2013 David and Zooey at Lincoln Park Zoo Chicago

Zooey was not even a year old when my husband started grad school. This week he is finishing grad school, and I could not be more proud! He has not only worked so hard teaching and being a grad student, but also being a husband and father. He is hardworking and dedicated to all aspects of his life. I am so glad that I'm part of his life, and that I get to share the journey of parenthood with him.

Happy Father's Day to my husband, David, and all Father's throughout the world!

<3MiddleCoastMommy

TGIF Wheel Pose

Let your surroundings inspire your yoga practice! :)

Wheel in Progress

TBT Pup

It's that time again! TBT this week is a picture from 2007. I was in college and just got a puppy named Pip. An adorable tiny poodle who is still filled with oodles of pep today! :)

TGIF YOGA

I decided that Fridays will become my weekly yoga post to encourage and inspire you and your lovely  yogi self! :)

Connect to the Earth with Tree Pose

Throw Back Thursday

DIY haircut

So thought I'd jump into the idea of posting a weekly "throw back thursday!"

My first I'd like to share is my haircut back in 2004/2005 that I actually cut and styled myself! :) Boy, I miss the pixie!

New(ish) Shoes!

Vegan Keen Shoes

A couple weeks ago I realized that the shoes I typically wear with dresses and skirts that I can walk miles in had seen their last day. So I searched and searched and came across a pair of Keen shoes on ebay that were simply adorable. The owner of the shoes claimed to have worn them only once, and the pictures looked legit so I jumped in and bought them. A couple days later my feet met the new(ish) shoes and couldn't be happier!

And why did I share this? Well, I think reusing clothes, shoes, bags, etc. can be fantastic. Not only can you find unique items, but also it cuts back on things ending up in landfills. Check out resale shops, thrift stores, garage sales, etc. There's a lucky item just waiting for you to take it home! ;)

<3MiddleCoastMommy