TREE POSE, AND FORWARD FOLDS AND PRAYERS - OH MY(SORE)!

Found here

Firstly, how funny is this post title!? I giggled like an seven year old with a fart joke at that one. I freakin' love puns. Anywho, moving on.

If you follow me on instagram you may have cottoned on to the fact that I've cranked the volume on my yoga practice a little over the past month. The thrice daily yoga themed posts may have (not so) subtly alluded to the fact that I am in love. My body feels great, my mind feels great and I am learning, expanding and challenging myself oh so much. 

I have dabbled in yoga for the past few years. Choosing various poses to 'nail', doing a few Hatha classes here and there, having a go with various styles through online video tutorials. But, I must admit, I never fully 'got it'. I felt good and it was fun to have a good stretch. But I longed for that dope connection and ridiculous sense of peace that all of these yogis harped on about. I decided to commit to a one month Ashtanga course to learn a little more about the practice of yoga and to challenge myself physically (as I'd heard you tend to build up a bit of a sweat working through the Ashtanga series).

I'm fortunate enough to live five minutes from the most beautiful, soulful yoga school that I absolutely adore. Samudra is a yoga school and incredible cafe in the South West of WA and is just so gosh darn beautiful. The teachers there are uber talented and have such an obvious passion for yoga and for teaching that you can't help but be inspired and empowered in their presence. If you're keen to learn more about Ashtanga and its practice, have a read here and familiarise yo'self.

When I saw that Samudra was offering an introductory Ashtanga course - I was all over it. Seriously. If you ever are blessed with the opportunity to travel to this blissful part o' the world and can commit to a months' practice then I would definitely recommend participating in this super dooper course. My beautiful teacher was a wildly passionate yogi who posessed such an overwhelming love and respect for yoga that you truly felt that you were part of something so special and sacred when you stepped foot in her 'classroom'. I set the intention at the start of May that I wanted to be fully present in my practice and to fill my mind with empowering words such as 'breathe', 'surrender' and 'connect' as I moved from posture to posture. And that's exactly what I did. From the first 'aum' to the final savasanah. Complete and utter connection as I found that divine balance between surrender and strength.

A huge part of my journey was the challenge of radical self acceptance. Bombarded with thoughts of 'why can't my leg do that?', 'I'm only three sun salutations in?!', 'what the hell kind of Gumby plactisine are they made of?!'. My body is muscular, and larger framed and sturdy. It's not really long and lean, it's not one of those bodies that just flops and folds into crazy postures and it drives me crazy sometimes with its tendency to store 'winter warmth' around my midsection. But the past month has helped me immensely in appreciating my body for what it can do, what it is capable of and what an incredible blessing it is to have a healthy, happy and strong little vessel to cart around my ol' soul. At the end of most morning sessions - I would float my ass back, brew a cup of tea and sketch my newly learnt asanas. I learnt about asanaglyphs during a Speakeasy lecture at Wanderlust Oahu and the beautiful simplistic sketches resonated with me right away. So I would journal, doodle, reflect and surrender a little further.

The entire course built up to equipping us with the sequence so that we could integrate confidently and seamlessly into a traditional Mysore class. Mysore classes are a self practice class that is supervised, gently guided and assisted by a teacher (or two). Yogis run through the asanas that they have learned within the Ashtanga series, with the teacher adding or enhancing postures when they feel the student is ready. I have loved these sessions. Firstly, being offered first thing in the morning they set you up for such an incredibly calming, centred and blessed start to the day. Secondly, going at your own pace is really empowering. There is no competition, no times to keep up with, no one to better. It's entirely your practice, and your practice alone. Thirdly, being surrounded by yogis of all ages, stages, shapes and sizes who are completely focused on their own practice is incredibly inspiring. 

The past month has been a profound learning experience and one that I will truly treasure forever. It has fanned flames in my belly, sparked an insatiable appetite for new knowledge and has seen me practice daily and chase that 'aum'.

Blessings, chaturangas and namastes x

WARM FUZZY FRIDAYS - Epiphanies and Shit.

Image found here - 

Ah, I adore this silhouette.

At the moment I am pushing and stretching myself further and further - spiritually, emotionally, physically, in work, in play ... in life. I have been tuning into my 'inner guide' - that little voice that, in this day and age of crazy busyness, we silence and tend to ignore. But this voice, this meek, soft and silenced voice, is so insanely powerful and incredibly insightful. By acknowledging and honouring this voice, we can learn to heal ourselves. Our inner guide is a master of disguise and can serve as our doctor, nutritionist, friend, counsellor, personal trainer, teacher - you name it. Trust that voice and I promise you it will lead you on your true path.

So. I took my own advice and honed in on that voice, held up a big ole (metaphoric but still rad) amplifier and let that inner voice take centre stage. Something in me stirred and encouraged me to commit to a radical transformation. One of intense spiritual, physical and emotional growth. And how am I getting there? Yoga, writing, running, journalling, meditation, quiet time, active weekends, organic food, juice cleansing and surrounding myself with abundant love and support. I've launched straight into my quiet meditative practice and yoga classes and, boy oh boy, did my Inner Guide respond with gusto!

I want to preface my little story by sharing with you all the significance behind this beautiful symbol. The 'aum' consists of three curves, one semicircle and a dot. These are symbols of each persons self and their potential. The large curve (lower left corner) - symbolises the 'waking state' and is symbolic of ego - our outward persona, the person we think we should be, the identity that we consciously associate with the self. The upper curve (upper left) symbolises the 'unconscious self' and is the part of ourselves that is hidden from ones unconsciousness. The middle curve represents the 'dream state' - the connection between the conscious and unconscious. The semicircle (floating symbol) represents the 'illusion' that self exists as a separate entity. This illusion separates the individual from becoming one with the 'infinite self'. The dot represents the 'infinite, absolute self'. It symbolises the ultimate experience of life and of the Divine. Ok - so can you see now why I'm obsessed with the incredible intricacies of this simple symbol!

So ...

During a yoga class this week, at a new venue that I'm trying on for size (& just quietly am adoring), I had such a beautiful moment of pristine clarity and almost epiphany-like realisation. I saw myself - only it wasn't me. It felt like me, she had my features, she had my spirit but she was a little different. She was so physically at ease, comfortable in her skin, oozed health and vitality, was radiant with love and seemed to possess such self assurance and peace. I truly believe that she was my infinite, absolute self. She's in me and she is pounding on the confining walls of my current self. But she's close, oh so close, to coming through to the big wide world. 

I trusted my inner guide and it led me to such a beautiful moment. I feel so comforted by the experience and so inspired to continue fostering transformations in myself and others. Please know that you, I, everyone and everything on this planet deserves a life of absolute beauty, light, happiness and above all love. 

Let's start a revolution. What are you committing to for the month of May to show yourself some love and honour that Inner Guidance?

Blessings and profound gratitude for this beautiful thing called 'life' x

Destination Fixation.

In one week, I will be poolside (or beachside - wherever the wind blows me), sippin' on a coconut with the amazing Hawaiian sun beaming down on me... Yes my friends, I am holiday bound. 

For oh-so long I have promised myself a holiday and have been planning trip after trip, year after year, with something always getting in the way. That's 'Emily' code speak for making bullshit excuses like 'I'm too busy', 'I have too much on', 'I have no money' or 'I have nothing to wear'. Ok, the last one has only snuck in once, but the rest are essentially on repeat in my internal 'you're stuck in WA forever' playlist. And, regular readers will be well aware that I am a huge believer in 'serendipitous' behaviour and divine timing, this trip could not have come at a better time for me in every way. Thank you universe!

So what is on the agenda?
+ A few cheeky nights at a Waikiki lush hotel
+ A retreat on Hilo (think daily yoga, phones off, books out and soulful reconnection)
+ A handful of days at a surf hostel
+ A few nights in the jungles of Kuaui
+ A visit to the Wanderlust festival on Oahu
+ Capping it all off with a few restful nights at a Hawaiian B&B

Doesn't that sound magical? Typing it out has gotten me even more excited. I'm going to switch off and get my relaxation on like never before. The pressures I put on myself for being and staying 'busy' are ridiculous, and so dang nasty for my health! So to combat this I'm trying out a new little affirmation ...

i give myself permission to release 'busyness' and embrace stillness.

My only to do list will be along the lines of:
+ Learn to surf
+ Yoga erryday
+ Meditate erryday
+ Laze around in my bathers
+ Hike up Volcanoes
+ Dive with the turtles
+ Read in a hammock
+ Meet people and strike up conversations with errybody!
+ Try new foods
+ Drink fresh coconuts
+ Try an acai bowl on North Shore (I've heard they are to die for)
+ Bask in the sun, sans makeup
+ Push myself out of my comfort zone a little bit more each day

Any recommendations or must sees or must dos? Help a sister out! I'd also love to hear how YOU plan to rest and rejuvenate in 2014? Comment below!

The blog may get a little quiet around these parts, I'm sorry! Keep popping in though because I have some fabulous guest bloggers who will be helping me out and sharing themselves and their incredible message with you all.

Blessings and lei adorned cuddles x

INSPIRING SOULS - The Badass Yogi Edition

I am SO excited to open the first post in the 'Inspiring Souls' series for 2014 - and what a way to kick it off! Today I introduce to you a beautiful, free spirited, Melbournian with a passion for hip hop beats and savasannah's. Sammy Veall is a 23 year old entrepreneur with such incredible and inspiring vision - after studying under Steve Ross in the US, Sammy brought her new found knowledge to Australian shores and launched the first ever hip hop yoga studio*. I'm sure you will be just as impressed and blown away by the kindness and passion in this lovely little pocket rocket.

1. Describe your health approach in three words. 

Alkaline, fresh and yoga.

2. How did you gain your ‘health nut’ status? 

Yoga. Once I started practicing yoga every day my body didn’t want unhealthy food or alcohol. I craved fresh fruit and vegetables and had joy in being healthy and active every day.

3. What is the most over used ingredient in your kitchen? 

Coconut oil or kale

4. What have been the greatest challenges for you in your quest for total health? 

At the moment it’s trying to balance owning two businesses and teaching yoga every day and then being a 23 year old at the same time! I still drink alcohol and go out and have a good time. But it’s very hard for me at times because a part of me doesn’t enjoy that at all anymore. I would rather wake up at 5:30 and start my day from here healthy rather than wake up hung over and try to juggle all your jobs you have to do. I’m managing though… I will find the balance.

5. Who are your greatest influences and inspirations? 

My grandfather, Poppy. He died nearly a year ago now. He was my biggest fan and I was his. He would call a spade a spade, no bullshit, enjoy life and don’t fool yourself. The rules I now live by.

6. What has been your most radical change? 

I did acting for 5 years after school, I was completely set on it. Then in LA, where I actually went to pursue acting again, I met Steve and did my first Hip Hop yoga class and that was a real turning point for me. I knew that was it for me, I quit acting the next day and did 1 if not 2 yoga classes a day with Steve until my visa ran out.

7. Recipe for success? 

Believe in your self, don’t take anything personally, don’t be afraid to fail but know that it can happen and LOVE what you do otherwise no one else will.

8. Describe your perfect day. 

Wake up early, teach yoga, go to the market buy lots of fresh fruit and smoothie ingredients, go home eat them all, have a sleep, walk my dog Tilly, do some work, take a yoga class, go out for dinner. I love going out for dinner and dressing up! I am forever in yoga pants :)

9. What are your words to live by? 

Everything happens, whether for a reason or not. YOU can only make yourself happy. Everything is going to be okay, maybe not today but eventually.

10. Message for the wannabe wellies? 

Everything in moderation, if you like chocolate eat chocolate! The guilt of eating chocolate is way worse for you than the actual chocolate its self. So don’t worry so much about everything. Keep your diet fresh, do yoga every day if you can. I believe starting out with Yoga before diet, then everything will naturally follow. 

Blessings and gold chains with dollar signs x

*Want to learn more about Hip Hop Yoga and Yoga 213 studio? Click here for a mini vid.

YOGA + CREATIVITY - The Four Week Adventure to Unlock my Creative Prowess

I spent my 25th birthday solo, for the most part, as I gifted myself the day off and spent it doing whatever the heck I wanted to. And, as we all know, an unintentional byproduct of 'alone time' is often extra time dedicated to thinking, dreaming and scheming. So that's how I spent mah birthday!

What I really wanted to do was uncover a word (or three) that summarised what I chose to focus on in my year ahead. I sort of meditated on that thought, in an effort to listen in on what 'inner Emily' most wanted, and they were -

+ Creativity

+ Alignment/Balance and

+ Authenticity

Authenticity and alignment had come up for me before but 'creativity'?! Girlfriend cannot even manage a paint by numbers! Why the heck would I ever pursue my creative side (or lack there of)? But, I accepted that it had come up for me, and respected that this something that 'inner Emily' wanted. Who am I to argue with that babe? Of course, as the universe has a habit of doing, all things creativity came in hot and heavy. It was discussed in my books, resources for developing creativity in my writing seemed to pop up at every turn, even at my Speech Pathology clinic there seemed to be an abundance of 'creative ventures' suddenly appear! Oh and did I mentioned I just happened to turn on the ABC one night and see an episode in a series on 'Brain Training' and, yep you guessed it, the episode was dedicated to learning how to expand your creative genius. 

So with my goal word firmly ingrained in my mind, I set off about my life, learning when it came up and taking opportunities whenever they arose. And then I met Lacey Haynes. Lacey was the guest speaker at the beautiful Passions & Possibilities event hosted by the gorgeous Emily Ehlers. Lacey spoke about passion, yoga, shared her stories, spoke on creativity and led a group meditation. I.was.entranced. And it wasn't just her freakin' adorable Canadian accent (I have never ever felt more calm during a meditation in my life. She has a gift. And a good accent for it. But mostly it's the 'gift' thing). After mingling and nibbling on raw desserts, I eventually crossed paths with Lacey and we shared hellos and chatted about travel and yoga and the possibility of Lacey running a workshop in the South West (!!). THEN she dropped a bombshell, and unknowingly added another mark on the tally for Universal Intervention vs Emily, and revealed that she was about to launch an e-book called 'Yoga and Creativity'.

Which brings me to the true purpose of this post (a full 3 paragraphs later but you know I'm a talker so y'all will forgive me I'm sure) - my new creative adventure. The Yoga and Creativity e-Book launched on Tuesday and I scooped it up (new age translation - clicked & downloaded) within a nanosecond of Lacey's email. 

Lacey explains 'Why Yoga and Creativity?' - 

"Yoga and creativity are so meant for each other. Creativity is your truest essence and yoga is the path to put you in touch with these deepest layers of who you are. The more you unfold your body and mind, the more the creative juices flow. Throughout this guidebook, you'll be challenged to face your creative fears and blockages all in the name of freeing up space so that you can connect with who you truly are."

The guide gives you options and suggested time frames for completing the program - 4 week intensive; play and go at your own pace or a 6 hour yoga and creativity day of bliss! I opted for the 4 weeks - to really explore each section thoroughly and not leave creative stone unturned. 

This week has kicked off with a beautiful yoga practice; focus on my throat chakra (the chakra for communication and creativity) and a whole lot of off-key singing! It was been so much fun. A real 'key lesson' for me in this whole process has been something that Lacey addresses early on in her guide - 

"It is important to remember that creativity and talent are not synonymous. What you need is to be curious and believe that there is a creative world inside of you."

Want this incredible book and to uncover the best ways to expand your yoga and creativity practice? Then head over to the Yoga and Creativity homepage and get your journey started girlfren'. Just incase people were wondering - I am lucky enough to be an affiliate for this incredible program, but wanted you all to know that I happily agreed to this as I absolutely adored this book and it's message from the get go, and would never ever endorse something that I didn't believe in or support wholeheartedly. 

Blessings, back bends, songs about lunch and a creative tigress ready to be released x