Living Balanced

I'm not sure if people quite understand this concept anymore.

It seems people tend to go to extremes, with anything. Things like spending or saving money, working, etc. They go all in one way or the other.

I see a ton of people going to extremes with nutrition and exercise. Those who spend hours in the gym, those who are gluten/dairy/sugar free in addition to being vegan (yes. This happens. Wtf.), and those who focus on nothing except their diet and fitness regimen. That is just as unhealthy as one who goes to the other extreme and is sedentary and eats too much and too many unhealthy things. What happened to being in the middle?

Maybe these extremists are happy, but I certainly wouldn't be. I remember being overweight and eating whatever I wanted while watching TV but not being able to wear cute clothes like the other girls my age. I also remember spending as much time as I could exercising and trying to eat only "health foods" and feeling guilty if I skipped a workout or ate too indulgently.

Years later, I am happy and healthy. I have a normal amount of body fat, wear a size six, and as the wonderful Andie Mitchell says "I eat in the middle." I love her, here's a link to her website.

Yesterday I lifted, did yoga, and made a dish with whole wheat pasta, chicken breast, and spinach for dinner with a salad. Today I did cardio and yoga and am going to make a cashew chicken quinoa dish with stir fried veggies. Later in the week, Shane and I want chicken and waffles (we love chicken) and will probably snuggle and watch TV and go on our weekly coffee date.

I'm not even sure what drives the extreme, maybe either the strive to be the best or complete apathy, I really don't remember from my experiences. Part of mine was bulimia, but that's beside the point. Point is you can be happy and healthy, not either or.

For now, the cat needs lovin and my assignment needs completion.

Peace out,
Dylan

Why I gave up Facebook

I quit Facebook earlier this week, cold turkey. I was waiting for my 8:00 am class to start, doing my usual scrolling and I realized, I really do not care if a person I went to high school with and talked to maybe twice is feeling sick or what my former coworker is up to. I do not give a damn where a person I was close to thirteen years ago went on vacation. Most certainly, I do not care how "cute" these people's babies are and how much they love them. They only post about it multiple times a day, I get it. 

Call me apathetic, or whatever you like, but I realized how much I really don't need Facebook. If I want to hear gossip and complaints, I'll just go to my hen-house of a workplace. At least there I get paid to listen to these people instead of using up my data. If I care about you, I'll keep in touch with you. I've even called my younger brother these past few days. On the landline. (whaaaat???)

I accrued this habit of scrolling the app morning, noon, and night, which is not uncommon for my generation, or even my parents' generation now. It was unhealthy, I gained nothing from it but frustration and occasional jealousy, some people went to some really nice resorts.In order to kick the habit, I replaced the Facebook app on my phone with the iPhone news app that I customized so that I would actually want to read the stuff. I have learned more about the world this week with that app than I have in years on Facebook. (No dad, I still won't read the paper. I can get an electronic version of the news stories for free on the phone that I have on hand anyway.)

Shane jokes at me to "get off my high horse". It's not a horse of any height, it's a relief. A detox of my brain that was built up for seven years. That habit took me through high school and half of college. I still have my Instagram account, I love looking at my friends' pictures (my best friend is a really good photographer). And puppies, who doesn't love puppies?

"So what does this have to do with yoga?" Inner peace, man. I have gained so much inner peace from kicking this habit. Even giving up social media for a short period of time can bring so much inner peace. We spend a disgusting amount of time comparing our social media personas to the social media personas of others, it's exhausting. Living to post instead of living to live. Few things are more draining than that. Call me crazy, but I care more about memories in my brain than memories on a website.

So how will I share this article if I don't share it through Facebook. It'll get around. If it doesn't, I write for myself anyway.

(Inner) peace out,
Dylan

Yoga Music

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase "yoga music"?

For me, at first, it meant the standard relaxing instrumental music used in many yoga classes. Then, my very first yoga instructor, Michelle, put on some foreign pop music that was really catchy. A subsequent teacher at that same studio put on pop music as well, which I quite enjoyed.

The teachers after that, especially the ones who taught in the gym I attended, used the standard "yoga music".

You can practice yoga to whatever music you want! Relaxation music doesn't relax the people who don't enjoy it! Michelle used to practice to rock music, which, back in the '80s, was frowned upon in the yoga community. Why? I don't know. I love rock.

I love putting myself into my yoga classes, mainly through music. I love John Mayer and City and Colour, so I use them. I've got Etta James for my bit of Blues, Norah Jones's voice that makes me melt, and Adele's that makes me want to just sing at the top of my lungs. (fortunately for my students, I refrain) I've got pop, rock, blues, hip hop, alternative, instrumental, all kinds! People usually either love my choice of music and come up to compliment me, or remain in the blasphemy that not all of it is instrumental "yoga music". I, however, think it adds to my vinyasa classes. If you don't like it, ya don't have to come.

What music do you love to practice to?

Peace out,
Dylan

A Personal Practice should be that, personal

I had been feeling stuck in my yoga practice. Then, I realized that lately I had been practicing for my students, and not so much for myself. Between life's craziness, my personal practice had been lost.

Last month I decided to dedicate at least fifteen minutes of each day to practice. My original intention was to improve on poses that I struggle with (arm balances, inversions, etc.)

As the month went on I learned to listen to what my body needed instead of just practicing those challenge poses. Sometimes I can practice in the morning right after I go to the gym, sometimes it has to wait until I get home from work at night. If my body can go for a flow, I flow. If it needs relaxation, I choose more restorative poses. I learned not to plan out my practice, just go with it. The yoga music isn't necessary, either. Pandora is always playing. Whether it's Yoga Radio, Today's Alternative Radio, or Pop Fitness radio, I need music.

I also learned since we got our new kitten, Salem, that savasana is just not an option. He seems to think yoga is playtime and will pounce on my face. He also thinks my typing fingers are forces that need to be attacked. I opt for a seated meditation instead.

Have I noticed improvements in the challenge poses? Sure, little ones. But, I'm even happier that over a month I have become much more in tune with my mind and body.

Sometimes it's best to not have a plan and just go with the flow! (literally)

Peace out,
Dylan

I'm in love with Yoga

The love story started when I was 13 and got the Wii with Wii Fit for Christmas. The Wii was the sh*t back in 2008. Even though now I realize that the yoga on Wii Fit placed incorrect emphasis on placement and alignment and whatnot, it's what piqued my interest. 

When I was 15 and wanted to go to an actual studio I googled studios in the area and found Michelle Star Yoga. My very first Kripalu class with her I fell head over heels in love. Michelle is my inspiration. I went every week, then eventually a few times a week when I worked as her receptionist at the studio. I loved going there so much, it was a second home to me, so peaceful, purple, and smelling of lavender :-). It was there, one day, just reading a yoga magazine, I knew that even if it was just a short period of my life, I wanted to be a yoga teacher.

So I did. 

Every time I get on my mat I feel that wonderful energy and warm, fuzzy feeling inside. Even if it takes a few minutes for me to get into "yoga mode". That feeling you get when you're passionate about something. You just wanna go out and show everyone in the world. Well, I'm trying. 

I don't care if it's yoga or not, everyone should have something that makes them feel like I do. Something to be passionate about, in love with. 

I will never get tired of hearing people talk about the things they love, it warms my heart. 

Peace out,

Dylan

My Students Inspire Me

I don't do this for the money (really, what money?) no I teach yoga because it's my passion and I love to see my students thrive from it.

I've had quite a few people come up to me and say how much better their bodies feel after starting a yoga practice. Some have improvements in specific areas that were in pain and some just feel all around better!

It warms my heart <3

One of my students who started coming around January just to check it out. She would come once a week, then twice, then I'd see her just about every time I taught. She said to me "I think I'm addicted to yoga" Yep, it can do that to a person, but is that such a bad thing? She comes up to me and asks questions about poses and most of the time it's to ask how to improve. And I say the same thing "just keep practicing it." And she does. I can see it and notice the difference. I love seeing her drive and fascination with yoga.

Last week I had a girl come in with her mom, around twelve or thirteen.I thought it would make me nervous but it turned out to be the greatest thing ever to observe. I encouraged her in Tree Pose and eventually she did get her balance. Her expressions during the class were priceless.

Of course I get the people who come on occasion or this one guy I just cannot stand at all. But like anything else, I put it all aside and focus on the people who really do enjoy the practice that I guide.

I make a difference. That's what I have to tell myself, because even if it's just to one person, it's true.

Peace out,
Dylan

Yoga is NOT scary! (and other common misconceptions)

I love talking with my students before and after class. While I was talking with one of them, she shared with me that a lot of people are too scared and intimidated to come to yoga.

This doesn't surprise me in the least. When a lot of people think of yoga, they think of a tall, thin, white woman throwing herself into a contortion without a sweat or second thought. Not being sexist, racist, or whatever, that's just how it is. Look at the cover of Yoga Journal.

Yoga is most definitely not about being the most flexible, being able to take a headstand, or even touching your toes. With enough practice, sure you can do those things, but it's mainly about taking a break from your crazy life and getting stronger, healthier, and calmer.

Maybe I scare people? I don't know, I hope not! I'd like to think I'm not intimidating, but maybe to some people I am.

Another lady in my Sunday class kept falling out of Eagle pose and said aloud "This is HARD!!!" And I said "Yes. It is. But you did it!!!"

On the other side of the spectrum, a lot of people who usually do more intense workouts think yoga is "easy" and "just stretching" and are then surprised when they take my class and discover yes, it is harder than they thought. Maybe that's why more people opt for my co-worker's Hatha class rather than my Vinyasa flow. Again, not sure, just an inference from my observations.

I see various videos and pictures of men, bigger women, basically anyone other than the stereotypical yogi in the media, yet people still have those preconceptions of yoga.

The only way to shift that paradigm is to actually try out a yoga class. Trying new things can be scary, but man do you grow from it.

Peace out,
Dylan

DUH

As a college student, I'm under an insane amount of pressure to pick a career to strive for. Why? I don't know. But it's also super difficult when you're best friend from high school has been accepted into medical school for years and your older cousins are so successful.

I've always felt like the black sheep, and being the middle cousin blows sometimes.

I was in a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing program for a year and a half when I realized it just wasn't what I want to do for the rest of my life, unlike two of my older cousins who are Registered Nurses. Then I switched majors trying to figure it out, in turn thinking myself into a bad mood daily.

Talking with my beloved Professor Harmon, about another career option, I was just telling her about life and my yoga classes and such. She asked me if I had ever considered a career in wellness.

No. I never had. Ever. 

Maybe because health and wellness is such a habit of mine now, and it's not really a major at my university. But man would I have a hell of a lot of fun with it. I researched careers in the field and liked pretty much everything I saw. And I thought to myself "oh, I should get an internship or something."

Oh, wait. Nevermind. Duh. I have a freakin blog about it for cryin out loud.

My best friend asked me what it had to do with my major, I said not much, but I don't care. So, now I'm just gonna finish up my degree, graduate in 2017, and basically continue what I've been habitually doing, with other people, and getting paid for it.

Not sure how my family is going to react to this, they all imagined me, doing, I don't even know what. But, it's not their life, it's mine. I'll still have a Bachelor's degree, what should it matter, I got educated like they wanted me to.

I'll have to open that can of worms over a few beers, maybe shots.

But for now, it's off to work, the non-fitness job :p

Peace out,
Dylan

Everyday is Judgment Day

Everybody gets judged throughout the day everyday no matter what they do. Has it always been this way or has social media just made it worse?! I do too sometimes, I'm a human, even though humans aren't supposed to judge other humans it's human nature O_O

There's a lot of aspects of myself that I get judged on, all the time, but I shall focus on the yoga aspect.

I get up in front of people and teach almost every day. People have this idea in their head about what a yoga instructor is supposed to sound like, look like, etc. I may be blonde and flexible but I am neither tall nor do I have a thin build.

I get judged if my yoga class is too easy or too difficult. I get judged whether I wear my hair up or down. I get judged whether I wear Lululemon or an old Marvel tshirt. I'm judged when an OPTION, mind you, of my all level class is more advanced. Listen, people had an uproar about supta virasana even though I said IF YOU WANT TO YOU CAN TAKE THIS and THIS IS OPTIONAL. It was a hen house. I get super judged when I tell people I'm not that "crunchy-granola" type person. Judged on my age, my god I could go on forever, but I shall not.

So with all that circling around while I'm up in front of people I could either let it get to me or shake it off. I choose to not give a f*ck. At all.

Like my dad (and now I) say, "If ya can't take the heat, then get outta the kitchen."

Peace out,
Dylan

Why is Yoga so expensive?!

Today I had a friend ask how much yoga was and all I could say was expensive. It's true, any studio you go to charges an average of $15 per class. The cost goes down a little bit when you purchase packages, depending on how often you go to the classes, but it is still expensive.

$100 for a month of unlimited yoga with limited class times? Or $10 a month for a gym that's open a lot longer? Hmmm.

Everyone is different. However, if you don't have a lot of extra money to spend, other priorities, etc, yoga classes can seem impossible. BUT WHY?!?!? I really don't know, I'm not a studio owner, actually have never taught yoga in a studio, but why I ask you? Why should yoga be treated as a luxury when the same people who endorse these high prices say it's a necessity?

Business. I don't get it. I never will.

I'm taking a class called Introduction to Public Health this semester, and this, the second week of school, has left me with so many questions. Why are healthy foods relatively expensive? Why are people less active? Why has the obesity rate gone up? Hopefully all these questions will be answered in that class.

Fruits and vegetables may seem like a no brainer to buy for some people, but honestly, some people just can't. Even on food stamps, it's hard. I wish everyone knew all the information and statistics I've learned these past couple of weeks.

If I were to make or marry into a substantial amount of money I would teach yoga on a donation basis. You can donate money, canned food, blankets, clothes, hygiene products, and give it away. I don't want your money! Teaching yoga isn't labor to me, it's fun!

Until then, I will continue to question everything I have just stated.

Peace out,
Dylan

Teaching All-Levels is HARD

So, as you know I teach yoga in a gym. Which is amazing because my manager never bothers me except to ask if I can sub a class, I can do my class my way with my music and my sequences.I always get paid regularly, there's no small business drama. I love the independence and freedom.

HOWEVER (there it is), it's so difficult sometimes. Unlike in a studio, where there are classes based on your level of experience, comfort, etc, my class is all-levels. Some people have never done yoga in their entire lives, some have been practicing for years and do headstands at inversion time and other complicated poses.

Every time I teach I have to find a balance that can make my beginners able to keep up with the class, but challenge my more advanced students if they so choose. So far, I've been able to do so, I have a notebook full of sequences that works.

The problem is, I really can't edit it or add to it much more. I've worn it out. Any other pose I want to add would be too complicated for my beginners. It also hinders the growth of my personal practice, because, right now, my classes ARE my personal practice. I have not made time to have a personal practice, because, come on, going to college, going to work, teaching yoga, AND having a personal at-home practice between maintaining my apartment, relationship, friendships, and doing homework? It's a little much at the moment.....Some would disagree. For me, that's the way it is.

I get bored sometimes, I do. That led me to taking up Aqua Fit and hopefully soon some other classes at LA Fit, cause I gotta make some money, man. Sure, I'll practice my crow and headstand at home, but it's not the same as going to an advanced yoga class at a studio or even with a YouTube video. I will have to suck it up and wait until the summer. I have more prevalent goals than growing my practice right now, maintaining it will have to do.

So yeah, all levels is hard sometimes, I can get bored, but I know my clients like it and I'm helping as many people as I can, and that is super rewarding.

Peace out,
Dylan

My Pursuit of Happiness

So today I reached my weight loss goal of five pounds. Not a big goal, but it's all I really wanted to lose, that holiday weight and whatnot.

I thought I'd be happier, feel better about myself. Well, the thing is, weight loss isn't the key to happiness. I will NEVER be completely happy about my body. That's just the way it is. There will always be girls with a bigger butt or a flatter stomach. ALWAYS. They make sacrifices for how their bodies look, whether it be eating super healthy or spending an extended period of time at the gym, or a combination of the above.

Quite frankly, that's not how I want to spend my life.

For a body that will last five, ten, maybe fifteen more years? And then the other fifty plus years letting nature just take its course? Eh.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm an aerobics instructor, obviously I have somewhat of a passion for fitness. I love how getting a good sweat or doing a complicated yoga pose makes me feel, or how great I feel after Aqua Fit when I know I've helped my older ladies. That feeling of having to add on reps or weight to the machine because I'm getting stronger, or learning a new technique. THAT makes me feel good inside, focusing on what my body can do rather than what it looks like. Yes, I got that from the American Girl Body Book, but it really is true.

And I f**king hate eating healthy. Ugh. Every time I see Instagram posts about cauliflower pizza crust or anything kale I roll my eyes. But I eat mainly healthy anyway, because I have more energy to do the things I mentioned above, and I have a family history of heart disease and diabetes. I'd also rather not spend my life monitoring my blood sugar or worrying about a possible heart attack. So I suck it up and eat salads for dinner sometimes, but that sure as hell won't stop me from the occasional Mighty Taco run or baking for my family and friends (and taste testing of course).

So, by all means, if having a body like Kim Kardashian, or whoever, makes you happy, disregard what I just said. But, that just doesn't do it for me. Too much pressure. There's more to my self-esteem than what my body looks like.

Peace out,
Dylan

Yoga doesn't care, and neither do I

I teach Yoga and Aqua Fit in a super nice LA Fitness. Most of my clients are twice to triple my age, I get a lot of "yeah, right" type laughs and wide eyes followed by eye rolls. However, I try not to push my clients too much, I'm not a hard-ass Jillian Michaels type. 

Now, I'm a twenty year old blonde in pretty good shape, go to the gym five to six times per week. However, I used to be a thirteen year old blonde (I've always had my natural color) who was very overweight and wouldn't get off of the couch after school for any sort of reason. Fitness takes time and practice, it's a lifestyle!

I all sorts of funny looks whenever I go into a complex yoga pose, they look at me like it's impossible. You know why I'm so good at it? Because I've been doing it for FIVE YEARS. Five and a half technically, but if you do anything consistently for FIVE YEARS you're bound to learn a thing or two. And make a ton of mistakes. I've fallen more times than all my yoga clients COMBINED. 

I read something once on Pinterest (ah, Pinterest) titled: Yoga Doesn't Care: A Disclaimer that should be posted in every studio.It's exactly how I (and every yoga instructor SHOULD) feel. Read it here, it's amazing: http://www.elephantjournal.com/2014/11/yoga-doesnt-care-a-disclaimer-that-should-be-posted-in-every-studio/ 

I do not give a sh** how one does a yoga pose. I do not go around "adjusting" people like one of those instructors who are obsessed with alignment. As long as you're not hurting yourself, I DON'T CARE!!! I even say that at the beginning of my class, only some people believe me. (but I've been in their shoes before, I get it) 

Yoga doesn't care, yoga is just happy you showed up.

Peace out,

Dylan