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. 

Lunchyoga & Öppet Hus / Lunch Yoga & Open House

 Jag är lite förvånad över att fler inte känner till det här stället! Det är något av det bästa med Växjö! I fredags tryckte grundaren och yogaläraren Ernesto flygblad som jag designat och som vi spred i trakten, men jag tänkte att ni kanske borde få veta lite om det med.

Känner du att du vill prova yoga men inte har tid? Då kan du prova lunchyoga som är ett kortare (45 min) men lite intensivare yogapass som är perfekt utformat för de som arbetar i närheten av Ananda Yoga studio. Vill du prova yoga men är osäker på vilken typ av yoga som passar dig? Den 1:a-7:e September är det öppet hus på Ananda Yoga Studio och det innebär att det hela veckan erbjuds en mängd olika yogalektioner och föreläsningar helt gratis. Välkommen!
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I'm surprised not more people know about this place! Last friday the yoga teacher and founder Ernesto printed the flyers I've designed. I thought not only the 500 that got the little orange notes should know about this, but all of you should get the chance to hear it!

Feel like doing yoga, but not sure if you got the time? Come on in and try lunch yoga! It's a shorter (45 minutes) and a bit more intense class perfect for those who work nearby the studio. You want to try yoga but not sure what style would suit you? The 1st-7th September will be open house at the yoga center which means the opportunity for you to try out a wide range of classes for free!

More info at http://anandayogastudio.se/

How did I do it? Greyscale design in photoshop printed on orange paper. Simple as that!

Yoga Logo

I'm happy to anounce that a friend of mine is opening a yoga studio in town, which I got the honor of making the logo for. So the 21st of October, tomorrow actually, there will be a grand opening of Ananda Yoga Studio.You can see the weeks schedule and learn more here. I'm very much looking forward to it and I hope to see you there!