Sunday Gratitude

As I sit here on my deck on this beautiful Sunday I'm overcome with gratitude.  This last week was crazy and fun.  I'm meeting so many amazing people in my yoga classes.  You all bring such great energy to my life and I'm grateful for all of you. This is my dream and I put 100% of myself in my classes.  One year ago I never would of thought I'd be teaching.  I had every excuse. Not enough time (darn kids), not enough money (yoga certs are SOOO pricey! Yikes!), etc.  But I followed my heart and took the leap.  To everyone who walks into my class my heart explodes.  Thank you for sharing my dream with me.   

On Friday I got to road trip with a friend to see my husband's band.  We were surprised by my brother and sister in law!  A fun night to see my husband do what he loves.  Since he supports me in what I love to do.  Heart followers and dream chasers over here!!! 

I also got to hang out and lead a yoga class with some amazing Fierce sisters. We spent time in a salt cave, ate, hugged, and drank beers and wine.  The love I've found from all of you I'll be grateful for forever.  Tribe Found and I'm not letting any of you go!   

My Fierce Sisters after our yoga class in LaGrange, Illinois

 

I think it's fitting my next class will cover the heart and being open love and being love and light.  Until next time my friends.

Namaste, Rachael



Yoga on the Deck Reverse Warrior (Viparita Virabhadrasana) and Extended Side Angle

Last week got away from me and I missed Yoga on the Deck!  Between rain showers and kids on spring break it was craziness!

Warrior is one of my favorite series of poses to flow with.  It reminds of an awesome warrior headed in to battle.  You should feel strong and ready to face anything after these poses.  Maybe even graceful.

 

Begin with a sun salutation warm up.  Stand in the middle of your mat.  Take your feet wide, about 3 feet.  But as always listen to your body here.  Turn the right toes to the front of the mat.  Square your left foot at a 90 degree angle or turn those toes in a bit.  Whatever makes you comfy.  Inhale your arms up and exhale bend your right knee.  The knee stays over the ankle and the left leg stay strong and active.  Inhale big and drop your left arm down your left leg.  Take the right arm up to the sky.  Take some big beautiful breathes here.

 

 

  On and exhale rainbow your right arm down to your right thigh, left hand goes up.  Now you have an option to drop that right hand all the way to the Earth (or deck in this case). Breath here and when your ready exhale to come up.

 

 

Repeat this whole sequence on the other side.

 

For a video option click here

 

Have a great week everyone!

Namaste, Rachael



Yoga on the Deck Warrior 2 Virabhadrasana 2

Welcome to another week of Zen yoga on my deck.  I decided to expand on the Warrior we did last week.  Warrior poses are my favorite.  I really feel connected to that inner badass!

Please remember to warm up before doing these poses.  No need for injuries!

 

Warrior 2

Start with your feet about 3 feet wide.  As wide as in comfy for you.  Turn your right toe out to the front of your mat and your back or left leg stays pointing forward, even a little bit in.  Whatever is comfortable for you.  Inhale bring your arms up, parallel to the floor and exhale bend the front knee.  Check your knee.  Make sure it's a beautiful straight line with your ankle.  Don't let it go past your toes! Stay tall in your torso, don't lean forward. Hold for 5 breaths. 

 

Exhale drop the arms and come back to the start position.

 

Repeat the whole thing on the other side. 

 

 

I hope this ignites the warrior within!  For a video option click here

Have a great week!

 

Much love and Namaste,

Rachael