Yoga on an Airplane

Yoga on a Plane

Start by: Sitting up tall, close your eyes, relax your face and shoulders, letting go of any tension you may be holding onto. 

Shoulder Shrugs

Take a deep inhale as you shrug your shoulders up, squeeze the shoulder blades together, creating an opening across the chest. Exhale as you drag your shoulder blades down your back, releasing the shrug, and relaxing through your shoulders. Do this 5 times. 

Benefits:

We hold a great amount of our tension in our neck and shoulders, and after the stress of waiting in the airport can add to our stress. Doing these exercises reduces the pain caused by stress, creates flexibility and makes our muscles stronger. 

Wrist Stretches

Placing your hands in front of you, palms open, in a position like you are stopping traffic. Actively spread all five fingers and slowly one by one curl your fingers into your palm and make a fist. Then curl your wrist down and make small circles to the right, then left. Connect your breath to the movement.

Benefits: 

Most of use our hands all day on a computer, phone, or tablet--and after carrying all your luggage, your hands need to stretch! 

Arm Raises 

Inhale the arms up and overhead, reaching through active fingertips. Exhale the arms down into cactus arms, opening across the chest, squeezing the shoulder blades together and dragging them down the back. 

Benefits:

Energizing-- think the first stretch we do when we wake up. So after a Red Eye, this stretch will waken you up and get your blood flowing. 

England, Take Two

London

The beauty is in the eye of the beholder--or the London Eye. With views of the entire city, this futuristic ferris wheel is a fun stop to make. 

My favorite place to go in London--The British Museum. It is FREE and you get to see the Rosetta Stone! On one of London's many rainy days--this is a great place to spend an afternoon...or your first stop off your red eye.

Here it is in all it's glory--THE ROSETTA STONE. This stone helped us translate ancient cartouche hieroglyphics. 

What time is it? The Big Ben can help you with that. 

Harrods, the world's most famous department store is always on my list of things to do. The only reason being the food floor. 

There are macarons galore... my heaven. And by the looks of it, there are more on the way. YAY.

Yogis in London. We met on our Yoga Teacher Training in Costa Rica, and here we are a couple months later. Soul Sisters! 

The Generator Hotel in Russell Square--clean, modern and safe. All the rooms have lock boxes under your bed to store all your stuff. There is a bar/club with a DJ, study room, cafe and bar--it has everything you need--Including free wifi. 

We found free Yoga--The Navratri Festival in WAY far out suburbs of England. It was definitely not what we expected, but there were free issues of Yoga Journal and samosas. 

On the tube. 

Prince Albert in Kensington Gardens. 

Planting Trees in London.

I LOVE staying in Russell Square. There is a quant garden square with a coffee shop in the center. It's very relaxing to just sit in the park and enjoy the nature all around you.

The fist Pret I have ever been too. YUM. I must admit, I do love Pret's food--Quick, "healthy" and delicious. When the first US location opened in NYC, I did take a trip there JUST to get Pret... I've since then calmed down. 

Trifalger Square, or now Africa on the Square. We ran into this pop up Music Festival on our walking adventure. FUN!

The tube--very easy to navigate and a lot faster than the trains in Boston. If you're waiting more than two minutes for the next train.. you can consider that a delay. 

Phone booth Yogi Selfie...minus the stick. 

On the train to Gatwick Airport--Gatwick? Until I got here, I thought I was landing in Heathrow. OOPS.

Takeaways 

• Keep your Oyster card (train pass), you need it to exit the station

• Check out the British Museum--it is FREE

• Russell Square is an accessible, safe place to stay...with the Generator Hostel just steps away

• Bring a lock if you are staying in a hostel

• Bring an umbrella.. there is a good chance you will need it

• Eat Fish and Chips

• Ride a double decker bus around the city

• Enjoy some afternoon tea...or at the very least some english breakfast :)

• Use your handy Travefy app to stay coordinated throughout planning your trip..it may save you from forgetting what airport you're arriving at.. I wasn't so lucky!

Yogis Savasana *Vegan Cookies*

Organic, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Simple, Crunchy, Vegan Cookies

Just as savasana is our final relaxation pose, these scrumptious, gluten-free, vegan cookies will bring you into total relaxation with every bite. Packed with all organic, super nutritious ingredients--these superfood cookies will keep your belly happy so your mind can focus on the present.

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup of organic raw cashews
• 1/3 cup organic coconut flour
• 1/3 cup organic unsweetened cherries
• 1/3 cup organic unsweetened shredded coconut
• 3 Tbsp organic raw nut butter ( I used almond butter)
• 2 tsp organic extra virgin coconut oil
• 1 tsp organic cinnamon
• 1 tsp raw organic cocoa nibs
• 1/4 tsp organic vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp organic turmeric

Blend all together in food processor until smooth, cookie dough like batter.

Scoop small amount of batter into your hand and roll into a ball, flatten out onto slightly greased baking sheet(you can use coconut oil to grease the pan). 

Bake them for 8 minutes at 350 degrees. 

Let cool for a couple minutes before lifting as the cookies are fragile when they first come out.

Makes about 12-14 cookies.

Enjoy! 

Iceland, Take Two

Reykjavík

Take two in Iceland! I didn't think it could get any colder than my last visit, but Iceland delivered! I finally made it to the top of HALLGRÍMSKIRKJA CHURCH! You take a very small elevator up to the top that is undoubtedly blasting veggie tale sing alongs. 

Its quite windy, but the 360 panoramic views are worth it. The colorful roofs light up the otherwise grey surroundings. 

For breakfast saturday morning we stopped at the Laundromat Cafe, yes, you can do your laundry there. This amazing dish of skyrr, pancakes, and the infamous rye bread was accompanied by freshly squeezed orange ginger juice. Needless to say I was full for the day. 

The famous hot dog guy is still here. 

Although I did not try them, everyone will agree they are the best hot dogs in the world. They are also the most affordable thing to eat in Iceland besides rye bread. 

Every year Reykjavik hosts a gay pride parade that 200,000 people attend--that’s almost half the country.

I was very excited to see a yoga handbook at the local bookstore. Joga, anyone?

If youre in Iceland on the weekend--you have to make a stop at the flea market. Loaded with food, used clothes, and knick knacks--you can try a sample of fermented shark and also buy nice wool hat. 

We did go out on a romantic date. Ooo lala. Of course the dessert was my favorite. You're looking at strawberry mousse with foamed skyrr and gooseberries. In the back was skyrr mousse cake with blueberry sorbet. OMG. It. was. amazing.

Also, we can't get enough of the fermented shark. JK. It honestly smells like ammonia and you're about to eat jello thats made with bleach-it’s truly the worst thing. At least they gave you wind blown dried fish and sea kelp to help wash it down. 

Iceland parties loud and publicly. They tied the soccer game against Kazakhstan and there was a DJ on site ready to get things started. 

Along the water is a nice bike/walking trail that runs alongside downtown Reykjavik. There are runners, cute dogs and amazing views to your left. 

Half a tree pose on some slippery rocks. Or am I cheering Iceland on in soccer...GOALLLLLL!

My favorite part of the whole trip was going inside a volcano. You hike 45 minutes to base camp wearing long yellow rain coats that protect you against the rain and wind over the lava fields. Once you arrive they give you tea and coffee and go over the safety guidelines. 

You get lowered down in a German made window cleaning shaft with six other people. They don't even make you sign a waiver! 

The chemicals from the lava melted all over the walls and created an array of colors. Some rocks even looked like gold!

There goes the shaft--dropping 450 feet down into the volcano. This is the only lava chamber in the world that you can descend into as most chambers get destroyed by the eruption. With that being said, they don't know if it is 100% safe--but hey, we have helmets. 

One of my favorite pictures from on the way down. You can see how the lava melted the rocks and the eery light shines up from below. 

To think we were following the natural flow of lava as it leaves the magna chamber--it's quite a unique feeling. 

That tiny opening is the hole the shaft passes through and the same hole the lava flooded through over 4500 years ago. 

The view from the ground is unlike anything I have ever seen before. The solitude on the ground was like an ever lasting savasana. The only noise you could hear was the water dripping from the top onto the rocks below--so peaceful. 

The grounds around the volcano are just as peaceful. You can almost see little flowers growing on the hill. 

The blue lagoon. As sad as it is to leave Iceland--stopping at the blue lagoon is a motivator to pack your bags and head towards the airport. I love the all natural sulfur masks and the healing effects the lagoon has on our bodies. 

Takeaways 

• Dress warm--It always feels like winter

• Very very expensive food. A small salad could cost you $20!

• The tap water is naturally filtered over hundreds of years through the moss in the lava fields

• Hot water smells like sulfur

• Check out the famous hotdog stand

• Skyrr is everywhere and many desserts are made with it

• Rye bread and yummy butter is also everywhere

• Iceland is 90% lava and gives the country the black/gray color

• It doesn't get much higher than 60--if it does, locals say they run around naked

• There is free wifi in almost every store/cafe

Fall Asleep On A Plane

Ostrich Pillow--YOU NEED ONE

You know I love my red eyes--It allows me to spend almost a whole extra day while traveling. Therefore, it's imperative to sleep on the plane--even if the overhead lights are on, I am in the middle seat, and there's a crying baby behind me. 

The ostrich pillow helps me catch some ZzzZz's and I look pretty cool--right?!

It acts as a pillow, eye mask, ear plugs, and if needed, hand warmers--making it more functional than a neck pillow. The only thing is, people may look at me funny--but who cares, my eyes are closed and I'm on my way to dreamland. I love how this pillow can bring my awareness inwards and allows me to tune out the distractions all around me.

Grab an ostrich pillow and enjoy a red eye! 

Costa Rica

Cabuya

200HR Yoga Teacher Training

Over 200 hours and three weeks later, I'm officially a Registered Yoga teacher! Yoga Anyone?

I set out on my adventure to The Sanctuary at Two Rivers in Cabuya, Costa Rica. I was totally off the grid and fully immersed in the jungle for three weeks. After flying into San Jose, I walked through a secluded parking lot to Sansa Air. The airport was a small waiting room and a guy holding a clipboard with our names on it! Let’s just say we were up close and personal with the pilots and the only safety overview was to "Buckle Up"!

After landing, I got picked up in a cab for a very turbulent ride to Cabuya. Then I was dropped off at base camp and after a 30 minute hike through rivers and jungle terrain, I MADE IT. 

The eco-friendly tree house was simple, modern and you were exposed to all the wonders of nature. I got over my fear of bugs on the first night after seeing a headless cockroach on the ground--it’s head was bitten off by a lizard and a trail of happy ants came to eat the rest of the body. Circle of life at it’s finest!

I would also recommend not bringing your own snacks. My almonds were in a plastic bag, inside a tupperware box--and the ants still won. It took me a few days to remember not to flush the toilet paper down the drain (that's a no-no in Costa Rica). It sometimes resulted in me grabbing sticks from outside and using them as chopsticks to get the paper out. EEESSSHHH. Anything for nature.

There were many starfruit trees (known to be a natural bug repellent) near the hammock gardens. It was beautiful to lay there, bug free, and stare at the sky (instead of a cellphone). 

Look at these cuties: Crabs, monkeys, dogs, lizards, and near extinct red river turtles. The howler monkeys would wake me up at 5AM, when the jungle transformed from the night. Trust me, you do not need an alarm!

Each morning we started at 6AM in this open air pagoda for a full day of Yoga, Philosophy, Sanskrit, Ayurveda and Asana Lab--it was challenging, fun, and self transformative. 

I thought I was going to go hungry--and I think I gained weight. When it was time to eat--they called us with a conch. All this amazing food was cooked with fresh, local ingredients and made by the kitchen angels--would you guess it is all vegetarian and vegan desserts?? The Sanctuary at Two Rivers should be releasing a cookbook soon, so stay tuned! 

Monkey see monkey do. I tried engaging in a few animated conversations with monkeys, which basically lead to me jumping up and down, looking all silly. 

I graduated! Giving the amazing Liz Lindh, our fabulous Yoga teacher a giant hug after she handed me my certificate! If you are thinking about attending a YTT, look no further! Being in the jungle for three weeks allowed me to focus and transform into the best version of myself. The staff is so knowledgable and all the people I met were so inspiring. I could go on and on...but check out my awesome yogi mates below :)

Every single person (and dog) was so supportive, motivating and inspiring. I am so fortunate our paths led us here and that we could be on this part of our yoga journey together! Our infamous lions breath and vishnu mudra will always have a special meaning to me, and of course, our favorite chant--Lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu...May all beings everywhere be happy and free. 

Santa Teresa 

We only had one day off a week and during week one, we ventured to the surf town of Santa Teresa! It was such a relaxing day of beach bumming and exploring. 

The waves were so rough, so I could not go very far into the water without aggressively being  pulled in.

 Montezuma 

Amazing little artsy, hippie, beach town.  Everyone is so approachable and down to earth, it is hard not to fall in love with this place. The street is lined with hand crafted art, jewelry and local eats. 

Tortuga Island 

Words cannot describe how truly beautiful Tortuga Island is. Butterflies flooded the blue sky which apparently is very common in June and July. 

Tortuga is just a 45 minute boat ride from Montezuma on Zuma Tours. They give you drinks, fresh fruit and play music on board. You also get to snorkel and they grill you lunch on the beach. Best $50 I've ever spent.

Paulie want a cracker? The exotic birds were not so friendly, but oh so gorgeous. 

They will like you more if you feed them coconut chunks and mangoes. 

I was just trying to eat my lunch when I looked down to see this adorable little pig. He was so cute!

Whelp, goodbye for now, Costa Rica! Yes this is the airport. No security at all, but they will weigh you and your bag before you hop aboard the 10 person propeller plane. Everyone lives on tico time--so don't be surprised if the flight is late. Relax, 

Pura Vida!

Takeaways

• You say Pura Vida, not Hello, to anyone and everyone

• Eco Friendly

• Nature, nature, nature, no technology to distract you--it’s cleansing and will reset you

• Amazing, welcoming people

• Hipster, yoga, artist, musician and surfer heaven

• Healthy, locally sourced vegetarian foods

• Fresh coconut water-YUM

• Don't leave food out, even for a second

• Don't flush the toilet paper, put it in the trash

• You will learn to love bugs--and lizards, birds, monkeys, scorpions, ants, and cockroaches

• You won't want to leave--but before you do--maybe take a piece home with you and get a tattoo in Santa Teresa? JK or a T-shirt at ST/CR

• I am a Registerd Yoga Teacher!!

Arizona

Grand Canyon

Adam surprised me with a road trip from Pheonix to the Grand Canyon and Sedona. It’s as big as they say it is and the pictures simply don't do it justice. You have to see it to believe it, just gorges!

We left at 5 o'clock in the morning and were able to catch the beautiful sunrise.

You really can't tell from the pictures how colorful and multi dimensional the Canyon is.  

Visiting the canyon will overwhelm your senses. There are so many opportunities to stare off in the distance and just dream, think, be. 

Look at that skyline.

Driving along the canyon, there are many pull offs with similar views but different angles. 

Takeaways from the Grand Canyon

• Go EARLY in the morning before it gets really crowded

• It costs about $20 for a standard car

• The views and photos you will take are well worth it

• It is hard to describe, you really have to see it to believe it

California

Ojai

If you love yoga, farmers markets, relaxing, and did I mention YOGA? Ojai should be on your travel list. We rented an Airbnb in the center of town and it was the most tranquil, unique home  I have ever seen. We enjoyed fresh picked oranges in the al fresco kitchen and got friendly with the cat in the yard, Beale. 

Beale the cat

The airbnb was a 5 minute walk into town and there you could find unique shops and tasty restaurants like Bonny Lu's country cafe.  We also stopped at Bart's Book Store to take a look around. You can buy books outside of normal business hours. They go by the "honor system" that you will put money in the box. 

Every morning I woke up to go to yoga at Lu Lu Bandha's and the people I met were more moving than the vinyasa flow. I had the pleasure of practicing alone with the teacher Julia, and she and I stared at each other while doing Lions' Breath, it was fun, we laughed, and it was a moment I will never forget.  

We ventured to Los Padres National Forest and swerved around the mountain side looking at the beautiful scenery that surrounded us. 

We enjoyed the freshest of the fresh. Cheese, Lavender, and local fruits and veggies. One woman made lavender essential oils from her french lavender plant in her yard. Very fitting of a such a spiritual, earth friendly place like Ojai. After the farmers market, hiking the meditation mount is a good way to enjoy your essential oils and soak up the relaxing vibes. 

Takeaways

If you love yoga, farmers markets, relaxing vibes--Ojai is the place for you. 

• Fresh farm to table food--we had an orange tree at our Airbnb

• Art studios, Al fresco book store, Spiritual and wellness shops

• Yoga studios, meditation mounts, and organic grocery stores

• Scenic mountain climbing ( or driving)

• A lot of people come here to retire, or simply just relax from the hustle of LA

• WINE--lots of wine, tastings, vineyards