Hi Friends.
Thanks so much for your support with the Nectar but I have moved to a new space which I’ve dedicated to yoga and fitness. The new place has more videos and images with instructions on yoga postures to compliment your already existing lifestyle and sporting pursuits as well as how to get the most out of your exercise time.
Hope to see you there.
Katie
http://katekendallyoga.tumblr.com/
This is pinned on the wall at the yoga school where I teach in North Bondi. Thought I’d share in case you can’t make it to class.
'Be Blessed' By Robin Morgan
I remember telling my Dad when I was a child that I’d be a Marine Biologist when I grew up. From this point forward he encouraged me and reminded me of how to get there and follow my heart. He’d give me books on dolphins and sit me down when interesting documentaries were showing on marine life.
I never for one moment doubted I could be that Marine Biologist.
My aspirations changed and when I declared I would be a yoga teacher – once again he had my back.
Working in competitive environments, it can be kind of difficult to seek out a mentor or friend who will hold you accountable for what you want – let alone have the courage to tell them how great you want to be. After all – who are we to be so fabulous…?
With the help of a lululemon Ambassador Summit in Broome (where I’ve been for the past deliciously warm 48hours) it’s been driven home to me how important it is to share goals and aspirations with people you trust.
Anyone who has come in contact with Susan Conrad will want to bottle a piece of her up and take her home for times when you need grounding and clarity. For now I’ll settle with the Declarations she taught us to create and ‘own’ in Broome.
A declaration in this sense is a state of being that you want to embody. Some declared from our group were – I am enough; I am whole; I am trust worthy; I am courageous.
They’re like an affirmation that comes from being aware of a weakness or ‘story’ you’re telling yourself. For example, some times I don’t do a great job at looking after myself when I’m busy with clients thorughout the week. I sacrafice meal times to teach and often go to bed late when I have a 5am start.
So by declaring to those close to me; “I nurture and am nurtured” means they can keep me accountable for looking after myself and in turn looking after my clients to a greater degree with more quality work and absolute presence.
Anytime they see you not valuing that declaration and getting of track, they have your permission to pull you up on it.
Thanks to all of my fellow ambassadors for your strength and courage and for having my back. See you all again soon!
Lululemon Ambassadors from Australia & NZ
Suffering some serious Monday-itis? This will definitely lift your mood…Yes, Yes, Yes. Oh my gosh!
After an insightful discussion with a friend and amazing woman, I’ve just downloaded a kick-ass book to my kindle. It’s hilarious, honest and totally informative. It reveals more secrets than The Secret and is so much more juicy and life changing…in all the right ways. It’s called Why Men Love Bitches by Sherry Argov.
Essentially it’s about learning how to value yourself as a woman, not extend yourself too much or chase a man (let him do that) and how to be mysterious and alluring. Sound conniving? It might appear to be at first but these game dynamics have been relevant for centuries and are essential to setting up a solid relationship.
Girls – read it. I’ve squirmed, laughed, noted and had some ‘aha’ moments as well as been reassured that I’m doing some of my best work as well as well as some of my worst.
Guys – send it to your girlfriends, sisters and anyone else who might benefit from learning how to treat ‘em mean.
Its message, more than anything, reiterates the idea that woman should value themselves above anyone else and treat themselves with integrity and love. Do this, and others will have no choice but to be attracted to you and want to be around your beautiful energy. It’s an incredible book on self development delivered with punch and attitude. I dig it.
I’ve set myself an achievable but fairly difficult goal for this week; ‘To listen intently before making any judgements or response.’
I set myself this goal because lately I’ve found myself talking over the top of people before they’ve even finished what they’re saying. How rude!
I have friends who are great at listening and offering helpful advice so I’m taking a leaf out of their book and getting on board the ‘all-ears’ boat. In achieving this goal, (which I will) I’ll be more focused and present as well as a better friend.
After all…“We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.” – Epictetus
Talking is over-rated anyway.
What’s your goal this week?
In maintaining my yogi-ness through all this new running training, I’ve been exploring the asanas (yoga poses) required to keep an athletic body limber. I notice tightness a lot more now and commit to staying in a pose for longer than normal.
Hands down there’s no doubt that yoga for any athlete is a massive advantage. There tends to be a misconception, still, that yoga is only for the more ‘herbal’ types and women. Yoga, just like any sport, requires commitment, dedication and focus. In fact, yogis and athletes alike must be disciplined in what they do to get results – be it a longer running stride or a clearer mind.
Here are some reasons you’ll go further with yoga:
You’ll build core strength
Many types of yoga, especially ashtanga and vinyasa, build core strength through slow, focused movements. In yoga we think of the core as the ‘power centre’ from which all sustainable movement comes. If your yoga teacher is anything like me, they never miss a portion of the practice dedicated to the mid-section.
Increased flexibility and range of motion
The reason you’ll find many yoga classes take a slow, but often, strong pace is to improve flexibility – ideal for athletes. I recommend at least two of three classes a week (where possible) to increase flexibility, enhance sport biomechanics and often relieving muscle tension. Whether you run, paddle, golf or play football – yoga will definitely improve your range of motion.
Deeper, more relaxed breathing
The key to any deep yoga practice is the breath. In yoga we focus on breathing into the lower lobes of the lungs, activating the parasympathetic nerve receptors, which helps to calm the mind and body. Breathing in this way also helps to improve and maintain the elasticity of the muscles between your ribs, promoting increased lung capacity and a more efficient breathing pattern.
Superior focus
Also connected to the breath, is an improved and more determined focus. When athletes talk about being ‘in the zone’, it’s the same as being ‘present’ in yoga. Again this relates to the breath; purifying and strengthening the nervous system for a clear mind.
Enhanced recovery
Most sporting activities generate lactic acid in muscle tissue which can affect performance if not removed properly. Long holds in yoga stretches can aid in the removal of lactic acid by gently circulating it out of muscle tissue and into the blood stream where it will make its way to the liver for processing.
*For athletes who spend a lot of their time sweating anyway, air on the side of caution with any type of hot yoga and stick to a more dynamic hatha or vinyasa class out of a heated room.
I have a super special recipe to share.
Whilst studying in Goa, India, I stayed in this sweet spot called Satsanga Retreat. Owned by Jodi & Olaf, they have a full house of local staff who pour much time and love into the place. One such staff member was chef Mani – whom I’m pretty sure is actually an angel. The ayurvedic food she cooked was out of this world and I thought I would share with you her magical chai recipe. So good and perfect for these winter days.
1 cup water
1/2 cup milk
1/2 tsp fresh ginger
Big pinch cinnamon
Small pinch cardamom
Allow the above to boil and then add a tsp of black tea leaves for another 2-3 mins. I also like to add some honey to sweeten.
Sip, savour, warm up and enjoy.
A few weeks ago I created a post titled, ‘How Do You Sweat? Essentially admitting that I needed to step it up in the department titled ‘Cardio Vascular Exercise’. Well…I’ve joined the team and promoted myself. Not only have I stepped up my cardio vascular workouts (which is giving me loads more energy for practicing and teaching yoga), I’ve also committed to running a marathon in September. Yikes!
Fortunately, I’ll be joined by 99 other first timers for the Nike / V100. It’s a mammoth concept designed to empower people to realise they can do and achieve anything.
“Our aim is to build a community of positivity, support and achievement where everyone comes out on top together.” How good!!
See my article on ‘Yoga for Energy’ in the May-July edition of Bride to Be, which they’ve dubbed their Princess issue in honour of Catherine Middleton.
All princesses planning a wedding need to stay sharp!
