But, I can’t even touch my toes? I’m not a Bendy Barbie? What if my flow looks different? It’s OK. Everyone’s yoga practice is unique. You do not need to be flexible to come to yoga. You need to be open to increasing your flexibility physically - and also mentally.

One of my teachers recently told me,

“Yoga is not about being able to touch your toes - it’s about what happens on the way down.” (Lisa Frey, Yoga Loft Naples).

This really stuck with me this week - yoga isn’t about being able to touch your toes - thank goodness because most mornings that isn’t likely. Yoga is about finding stability, on and off your mat. It’s about grounding your energy, creating a strong foundation - and from there finding flexibility.

I connect with what Lisa said because it’s so true...and it doesn’t stop at yoga. This principle can and should be taken off your mat as well. Find stability in your life, find your constants, find your home base, and ground your energy. From this place in your life, you will then be able to find more flexibility in your head space. Your thought process and the way you look at things will begin to shift.

One of the things that first drew me to yoga was that every class was different...even if the poses were similar. The way I experienced the class, the way my body moved, my mental shift, my fellow yogis were different every time. The one constant was the blissful feeling I would leave with. This state of bliss and zen after Savasana (final resting pose) kept me coming back for more. I slowly started learning more about yoga and Pranyama (breath work); and the Pranyama became my stability. From my breath I was able to find more flexibility, breathing into the pose, moving with my breath. Finding more length on each inhale, expanding, and letting go with each exhale. I began taking this practice off my mat - breathing and practicing my Pranyama when I was stressed, anxious, or upset. Finding my breath, slowing down, deepening the breath allowed for more flexibility in my life. It allowed me to see things in a new light.

It’s okay if you never touch your toes, it’s what happens on the way down. You do not need to be a Bendy Barbie to step onto your mat, you simply need to breathe. Find your stability, find your grace and from that place of grounding will come flexibility.

Be sure to check out one of Lisa’s class at Yoga Loft Naples soon! www.yogaloftnaples.com

This Saturday, I will take out some adventurous clients on a 90 minute Standup Paddle Board Excursion. Midway through our excursion, we will break for some Standup Paddle Board Yoga. Nothing will take you out of your element more than trying to do Warrior III on a Paddle Board. This sport allows for so much freedom, adventure, and relaxation all rolled into one. If weather permitted... currently we are in hurricane season here in Southwest Florida...I would be on my board every day.

Although Standup Paddle Boarding may seem like all fun and games; there is a lot that goes into preparing for your SUP Adventure before you even step on your board. First things first...ALWAYS check the weather. Our weather here is constantly changing, especially in the summer...and the last thing you want is to get stuck out in the Gulf or even the back waters when a huge storm rolls in. Be prepared. There are dozens of radar and weather apps; know what you are heading out into..and know what is around you. Where will you go if the weather gets bad? Do you have a plan B?

I typically have a water proof bag hooked to the front of my board full of almost anything we could need, luckily we rarely have to utilize it. There are obvious items you will need when out of the water...sunscreen, water, sunglasses, hat, life jacket and more water. The sun is more intense when you are out on the water; protect yourself. Paddle boarding can very relaxing and soothing, connecting with nature; but it is a workout. Stay hydrated and fuel your body before going out. Extra items I tend to pack in my water proof bag are...snacks. I once had to tow a girl in because she passed out due to lack of calories before paddling. Rope, whistle, hair ties, bandaids and duck tape are all essentials in my bag. When I am out on the water I like to be ready for anything; you never know what adventure may be ahead.

Lastly, don’t go alone. Always paddle with a buddy, or tell someone when and where you are going and let them know as soon as you return. Be safe.

Paddle boarding is one of my favorite sports, and is such a simple way to connect with nature and the beauty all around us. Go out, explore, be safe, and most of all have fun!

If you missed this weekend’s excursion email us at jennifer@leanandgreenbody.com to find out when our next adventure will begin!