DIY and Good Things!

Listening to Solstice (vocal mix) by After Life. 

Been getting my DIY on again! Made this tied fringe top of an old pair of leggings. It used to be my favorite leggings, then  got a stupid idea to turn it into a long sleeve shirt, failed, let it collect dust for a while... then the other day I got a less stupid idea to turn it into a fringe top. The fabric peace necklace is something I made a while ago and I'm wearing a big shawl as a sarong. Looks like summer. Summer looks. Is this what summer looks like? I almost forgot with all the rain. Atleast it's lush. Expecting both pears, apples and rhubarbs soon! Planning some kickass pie.

I'm not a fan of promoting things, but I am an almost crazy fan of these lovely ladies at goodthingsmag.com and their vision as I've watched it take form and grow. It's all about happy news, inspiration, feel good, amazing people and wonderous things. Their first issue was released the 27th (yesterday). So cheers! Raising my cup of yogi tea to you! 

Keep calm & curry on

So back to one of the previously mentioned goals... headstand! There are some helpful guiding videos to help you get inspired and find the way to getting where you want to be. Yoga with Adriene has a good one about headstands. I'm taking it one step at a time. Right now I'm on my elbows with my head in my hands in a kind of downward facing dog, feet slowly coming closer. Still have some way to go.

Every day is a new. As one practises, one learns which asanas that work to your benefit in different situations. It's also good to actually check up with the old yogis, they got the knowledge and they're not afraid to use! Today as I was working and I built up a lot of tension in my shoulders and back as well as mental tension. Yoga can help, but what does intuition say? Mental recharge, physical rest. 

The old Lovisa would have been discouraged in the belief that this was a bad day. It's not a bad day. We tend to label everything in black and white. What is it really though, without our subjective judgment? It's a day.  You may have lost the test because you were unprepared, but if you don't lose the lesson it still had a purpose. 

Everything happens for a reason, it's up to you to find it.

Keep calm

&

CURRY ON

The good, the bad and the patience.

It's easy to be harsh toward one's self. I can be really tough and impatient sometimes.

Thankfully yoga helps notice when that's happening and quiet down the harsh ruler who wants perfection now, without working for it. There's no instant change. You can't get SUDDENLY SUPER FLEXIBLE. The body doesn't work that way. You have to build it. With the slow progress comes the more sustainable result.

It's quite common to be more flexible on one side than the other. For me left has always been the "good side" while right just needs more time. More practise. More patience. More understanding.

I used to press the right side until it hurt. This is the greatest difference between regular exercise and yoga. The awareness. You have to listen to your body. No means no, maybe means ok go until no. Never go past no.

There's an asana where you connect your hands behind back with one elbow reaching up and one down. I tried a few times but just couldn't reach. Then a few nights ago while I was brushing my teeth I had one hand behind my back. Then I started wondering... how far can it go? The pose came into my head and I let go of the toothbrush to reach the left hand with my right. WOW!

So how do I practice the right side for this?

Grab a scarf. Hold one end with your left hand. Breathe in and lift the scarf up above your head and as you breathe out fold the arm above your head behind your back. You don't have to reach far. Take the right hand behind your back and reach up, grabbing the other end of the scarf. Very gently pull the scarf, bringing your right hand just a little further up your back every time that you breathe in. Just a little bit more. Just as far as feels comfortable. Stay. Breathe 5 more deep breaths through the nose. Exhale as you slowly let go. Then use your right hand to gently pull down the left. 5 breaths. Let go and exhale. Remember to do the exercise on both sides to maintain balance. Eventually when the time is right. You won't need the scarf anymore!

The great thing is that it gets easier each time. I still can't reach the other way, but there's great comfort in knowing that it's possible. Yesterday the fingertips touched and that's enough progress to keep me going. 

Hydrotherapy and golden milk.

As often as I can, this is where I am.

Today I tried Ishnaan for the second time!

Ishnaan 

What? Hydrotherapy. Cold shower. I mean really cold. 

Why? For improved immune system, better circulation and of course getting more alert. Some sources say it's stress reducing and it just seems to make you better in so many ways.

How? Massage your body with the oil of your choice. I always go for coconut. Then get into the cold water for a few seconds. Massage. Get into the cold water again a few seconds. Repeat atleast four times or until you feel warm. Don't start off with warm water, just directly into the cold! Be brave! Note that this is easier to do Ishnaan if you're hot from laying on the beach a sunny day, going straight from the gym or worked up a sweat. After the shower it's nice to dive directly into the daily yogi practice. Well of course it might be a good idea to get dressed first...

Golden milk

What? A hot drink from turmeric and other spices mixed with milk. It doesn't have to be cow milk. I go for oatly. I imagine almond milk to taste fantastic with turmeric.

Why? Hard time sleeping or want to get more flexible. I have no idea if it works yet, but turmeric milk is besides a very cozy evening drink also nice for your joints and helps you rock into your sleep. I've done it once and it's nice. Will be the second time tonight and tomorrow is time to get more turmeric!

How? There's a quite good explanation at healthyholisticliving.com with benefits and recepie. I myself am using the one in YogaJona's book. You mix water and turmeric, cook it into a paste and then you just add your paste in warm (not too hot) milk. Cinnamon and cardamom go well with this! I also put ginger in everything. It's not only good, but also GOOD FOR YOU. 

Going through that pile of books. Sponging. Soaking up the knowledge. There's a lot of things I want to share, but for now I'm quite busy on the mat. Or on the beach. Or in the garden.