YogaBirds Pilates – Page 8 – YOGA PILATES ROLLER

March 5, 2014

40 Days of Young Living Essential Oils

Today is Ash Wednesday and the start of the Lenten Season. This year I am attempting to write more consistently, actually daily. If you follow my Yoga Birds blog you know that it’s pretty sporadic at best and varies in subjects that span mindful movement, travel, healthy eating, sewing and crafting, conscious living, and most recently my new fave, aromatherapy.

In my Lenten practice of daily writing I have decided to highlight aromatherapy, specifically talking about Young Living Essential Oils. I figure, since I use the oils daily in hundreds of different ways, finding 4o things to ‘say’ or write about them should be …. easy? We shall see.

I mentioned in my last blog post about Thieves Oil eradicating a vicious invasion of the flu which was the impetus for my becoming a Young Living distributor last year. Since becoming a wholesale member and distributor I have had the pleasure of exploring many more of the oils and blends in the diffuser, spritzers, bath, laundry, vacuuming, dusting, and even cooking.

It is fascinating to me how just by awakening the sense of smell with certain fragrances correspondingly opens and enhances all of the other senses. I also feel better (like wayyyyyy better) about using non-toxic products to clean my home. I feel more awake and aware and ALIVE incorporating the oils into my life and my home. And my husband likes them too!

What these next 40 Days will look like on the blog (or at least this is the plan):

I will post several tips, ideas, and resources for using oils, as well as, how to become a distributor and the benefits of being a distributor. I am also going to share some of my must-have oils! It’s going to be a wonderful, consciously uplifing forty days. I hope you will join me! Please join in the conversation by leaving comments. Also, please ‘Like’ the Yoga Birds Facebook Page and Follow Yoga Birds on Twitter. I love being in touch with you all!

In Peace, Health, and Scented Bliss,

Melanie Buffett

Young Living Distributor #1572095

If you would like to become a Young Living Retail Customer or Wholesale Member under my (Yoga Birds) sponsorship please CLICK HERE or go to www.youngliving.com/yogabirds and chose ‘Sign Up Here’ from the menu. My member number should be pre-filled into the online form. If it is not, please fill in my number (#1572095). THANK YOU!! Send me an email if you sign up so that I can help you navigate the wonderful aromatic universe of Young Living. xoxo Mel

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. I’m just sharing my experiences! As always, do what you feel is best for yourself and your family.

February 26, 2014

Young Living Essential Oils

Last November Thieves Oil saved me in four hour’s time from a cold/flu that was coming on with a vengeance. The next day I enrolled as a Wholesale Member of Young Living Oils.

Like a lot of people, I want a higher vibration quality of living in my body and home.

I’ve always been paranoid about toxic home cleaning products, overuse of OTC drugs and pharmaceuticals, and chemicals in personal care products. I am always seeking out alternatives. This first-hand experience (when I was spared a real nasty sickness by using Thieves Oil) of the ‘power of the flower’ and the natural healing remedies is what essentially ‘sold’ me on the products. Young Living products satisfy a full spectrum of my needs from aromatherapy, personal care, nutrition, and supplements.

Incorporating Young Living into my daily routines of mindful movement, self-care, and home maintenance have brightened up my world with an elevated sense of consciousness about vibrant healthy living. And everything SMELLS. SO. GOOD.

I’d love to share the oils and other products with you. Please contact me for a consultation, demonstration, or small seminar. You can reach me via email at melanie@yogabirds.com or via text or voice mail at 251-508-7099.

If you’d like to enroll as a Wholesale Member to receive significant discount (24%) on oils and other Young Living Products, please enroll through my sponsorship. It is very simple to do at my Young Living Website (www.youngliving.com/yogabirds). If you sign up at the main Young Living site, please use my member #1572095 as the Enroller and Sponsor ID.

Please be in touch if I can answer ANY questions for you.

Cheers to Higher Vibration Living,

Melanie Buffett, Member #1572095

Please follow Yoga Birds on Facebook and Twitter

January 9, 2014

Commitments On A Bike That Goes Nowhere?

This morning I taught a RIDE class at Romney Pilates Center here in New Orleans. Today’s Ride theme was: COMMITMENTS.

We all make commitments in our lives. There’s commitments to relationships (to Self and others), commitments to family, commitments to community, commitments to causes, commitments to craft, commitments to projects, commitments to resolutions, etc.

Some words that come to mind when I think about ‘commitments’ are: unwavering, steadfast, consistent, steady, and foundation, to name a few. It takes focus, attention, and practice to really keep healthy long-lasting commitments.

MAKING commitments is easier than KEEPING commitments. This I know for sure.

So where does all of this come into play on a bike (that seemingly goes nowhere)? If you love RomneyRide, or Spin, or Soul Cycle you know that the Ride is a music-filled, fun, physically intense, inner journey that is perhaps the greatest indoor cardio exercise experience out there. It feels SO GOOD!!

An unwavering strong core connection is a commitment to good form and steadiness on the bike. Keeping the beats of the music in the pedal strokes is a commitment to rhythm on the bike. This really gets us to the heart of our highest potential of balanced physical exertion.

At first Ride seems REALLY hard. With a COMMITMENT to regular practice, the Ride (in all of its intensity) becomes more fluid and steady and focused and smooth. But still remains massively, beautifully challenging and super sweaty.

RIDE like other commitments in general gives the ultimate payoff because it never gets easier, it just KEEPS GETTING BETTER.

If you want to check it out, come practice commitment, form, rhythm and FUN with me! I teach RIDE and yogaRIDE at Romney Pilates on Tuesdays and Thursdays in New Orleans.

PEACE & HAPPY NEW YEAR

XOXO Melanie

P.S. Keep in touch on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram

November 7, 2013

Restorative Yoga For Digestion. ‘Tis The Season!

Proper digestion is integral to balanced holistic health and is at the heart of our body’s energetic regulation. When it is all working correctly, throughout the day our digestive system is ingesting food, secreting fluids, breaking down and digesting fiber, absorbing nutrients and defecating waste. When the system is not working optimally we harbor toxins and waste which can cause a constellation of maladies like bloating, nausea, sluggishness, or general discomfort. At worst, i an over-taxed or improperly functioning digestive system can lead to serious illness or disease.

Obviously a conscious diet and good hydration are the first steps in maintaining a healthy functioning system. But as the holidays quickly approach and the parties and meals become more abundant and celebratory our digestive systems can use more help in keeping up with increased demand.

Restorative Yoga is a tailored, supported, restful practice that awakens our parasympathetic nervous system and assists with physical as well as mental digestion. When we drop into this mind/body state that reigns over meditation and elimination, we allow our innate functions to simply happen on their own. Not only does the practice aid in the physical digestion of toxins and waste products from our bodies, it assists in the digesting of thoughts, images, and incessant chatter that cloud our minds as well.

The Holidays are a great time to give yourself the gift of Restorative Yoga.

Following is a suggested Restorative Yoga practice specifically sequenced and designed to assist in good digestion for optimal functioning of body, mind, and breath. Try one pose or all of them. And take 3-10 minutes in the poses for the best benefit. Leave me a comment below to let me know how it goes for you.

Wishing you true Joy for the upcOMing holidays! XOXO Melanie

Hero Pose (Virasana)

Child’s Pose (Balasana)

Cat / Cow

Knees To Chest Pose (Apanasana)

Reclined Pigeon (Sucirandhrasana)

Extended Leg Pose (Paschimottasana)

Supported Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana)

Reclined / Supported Cobblers Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana)

Reclined / Supported Fish Pose (Matsyasana)

Reclined Twist (Jathara Parivartasana)

Supported Savasana

Supported Seated Meditation

October 29, 2013

Stress, Restorative Yoga & the Relaxation Response

WHAT?
Restorative Yoga is a cooling practice that soothes and quiets the nervous system and can restore hormonal balance. It is a practice of moderate versions of classical yoga poses predominantly done on the floor, supported by props such as bolsters, blocks, straps, and the wall. The poses are held from 3 – 10 minutes while maintaining an awareness of easy breathing. The support of the props allows the body to stay in the intelligent forms of the poses for longer durations in order to receive the therapeutic benefits of the poses without spending precious energy to hold them. Often, eye coverings are used to encourage a deeper relaxation experience.

WHY?
Stress is the body’s auto, physiological reaction to circumstances that require change. The stress response is referred to as the fight-or-flight response. Healthy stress is vital as it is the response mechanism that activates in emergencies and was critical to the survival of primitive humankind, our ancestors.

The modern world is ceaselessly fast paced, complicated, and stressful. Human instinctual nature does not differentiate between modern mental stress (brought about by family-care, finances, constant media bombardment, etc.) with the ancient stress of survival in the wild or the useful stress elicited in emergency situations.

Constant mental anxiety and worry flood the body with adrenaline and stress hormones. Adrenaline is vital for us to keep up with active lifestyles. But without breaks for rejuvenation, our adrenaline production never shuts down causing the adrenal glands to ‘blow out’ due to overwork. The result is a stress induced state of fatigue that can become chronic and can lead to a compromised immune system.

Common warning signals that your nervous and hormonal systems may be in need of restoration are constant fatigue, workouts being a drag instead of uplifting, and increased susceptibility to bugs and illnesses. If any of this this sounds familiar you, try Restorative Yoga.

Supported-Bridge-Pose — Supported Bridge Pose

HOW?
The best medicine to combat stress is to consistently practice awakening the opposite response in the body/mind eco-system — the relaxation response. Regular practice and elicitation of the relaxation response has been scientifically proven to be an effective treatment for a wide range of stress-related disorders. In fact, to the extent that any disease is caused or made worse by stress, the relaxation response can help.

The practice and components of Restorative Yoga make it a perfect method for deep, therapeutic relaxation, for medicinal or preventative purposes. Supported yoga poses allow for our muscles to let go of deep unconscious holding and bring us to a state of well deserved ease. A focus on easy breathing helps to redirect our awareness to the present moment without distraction, which is utterly calming. The poses and props can and should be customized and adjusted for each individual to achieve maximum release and relaxation which yields healthy restoration of the body, mind, and breath.

Disclaimer: Obviously consult with your healthcare provider as your main source of guidance in health and wellness.

October 23, 2013

A ReInvention of Sorts

This time last year I had one of those pivotal moments where I hit a wall and was faced with the reality of my life and the choices that lay before me. Things were going relatively well. A third teacher-training group was about to graduate from my Yoga Birds program and the studio was chugging along offering valuable services to the community. I had a nice house, great husband, awesome dogs, and loving family all around me.

My practices of daily asana and meditation were steady, life at home was good…but something was missing or just not right with me. I prayed and I meditated and finally realized that I was not where I wanted to be or doing what I truly wanted to be doing.

It was one of those God-moments when I realized in full force the finite nature of my time on earth, the importance and impact of every choice I make, and the preciousness of every moment that has been given to me.

I started making plans to close my beloved little yoga studio and to get back into film acting which I had left in 2008 when I moved to Fairhope from New Orleans. So, in case you were wondering, that’s where I have been all year…. In acting classes in New Orleans. More on that later…

I have not abandoned yoga. Or, more accurately, yoga has not abandoned me. I have taken a massive break and rest from daily vigorous asana (poses) practice. It was not intentional and happened naturally as I stopped teaching so much. I am still a firm believer and advocate that asana yoga teachers should be practicing what they are asking of their students. I asked a lot of my students ergo I spent a lot of time on the mat in my own personal practice doing sun salutations and warrior poses, etc.

This break from the physical yoga for me has been utterly healing and informative…which is essentially what our practices should be about. So yes, my chaturanga and my pinca mayurasana probably SUCK right about now, but really…. I don’t care. And this is cOMpletely LIBERATING for me!

What I do practice regularly is Restorative Yoga. Apparently my nervous system needs a daily re-set to truth, consciousness, and joy. My husband Burke who is a brilliant wordsmith dubbed Restorative Yoga a practice of ‘pillows and gravity’. It is absolute heaven and gives back to me ten-fold in the currency of connection to Spirit, relaxed groundedness, breath awareness, clarity, patience, kindness, happiness, contentment, and vibrant energy. All it asks of me is to stop, become still, and hang out there for 5 or 10 minutes at a time. And BTW… it’s not nearly as easy as it sounds.

In these past several months I have explored different neighborhoods –literal and figurative. I miss my friends and family and community of yogis in Alabama and further east. I have made some incredible new friends in the acting and film and fitness communities of New Orleans. Life is a constant paradox. But it is certainly wonderful.

I am ready to start teaching again with a fresh new perspective on how yoga can support day to day life and courageous choices that foster the manifestation of the sparkling, healthy, vibrant lives that are our birthright.

Next month I will be in Fairhope at Prana Health and Wellness Sunday, November 24th. Becky Ardrey and I are co-hosting an open house and discussion about the collaborative 2014 Yoga Birds Teacher Training being held at Prana. Stay tuned for more details about the open house and about the training.

Also in the works in New Orleans is a yoga class in conjunction with the indoor cycling classes (called RIDE) I have been teaching at Romney Pilates Center on Magazine Street. More details TBA.

On Sunday morning, November 17^th I am presenting a Restorative Yoga Session at the Mahabhuta Yoga Festival. I can’t wait to immerse in yoga for the whole weekend with so many friends and teachers! I hope that you can join me there for my class or to attend some of the fantastic classes of other teachers with me.

That’s all I have for now. Please be in touch with a comment below or drop me a line or a ‘like’ on my personal profiles at Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. And if you’re interested, check out my new acting website at www.melaniebuffett.com. Hope to see y’all soon in a festive and joyful place!

Much Love and Peace,

Melanie Buffett

July 4, 2013

Fly Your Freaky Flag

A few years ago I read David McCollough’s John Adams. I loved it for so many reasons. One of the most amazing facts I remember reading is that after a life long ‘dance’ of sorts in politics with Thomas Jefferson, the two men died within 6 hours of each other on July 4, 1826. Today I like to honor that cosmic synchronicity and my American heritage.

“Liberty cannot be preserved without a general knowledge among the people.” ― John Adams — “Liberty cannot be preserved without a general knowledge among the people.”
― John Adams

"People and nations are forged in the fires of adversity." -John Adams — “People and nations are forged in the fires of adversity.” -John Adams

Although we live in an incredibly challenging and relentlessly cruel world, I believe if we stay open to it and practice connecting with it, the Light outshines the suffering.

"You will never be alone with a poet in your pocket." -John Adams — “You will never be alone with a poet in your pocket.” -John Adams

"The world grows more enlightened. Knowledge is more equally diffused." -John Adams — “The world grows more enlightened. Knowledge is more equally diffused.” -John Adams

John Adams was a fearless and remarkable philosopher. Reading his timeless speeches and edgy proclamations give me courage to live more aligned with the beliefs of my conscience and helps me stay connected to the essence of America’s and Humankind’s greatness. Reading, writing, staying active, and creating are celebrations of free will and liberty. I am thankful today for these freedoms.

“The true source of our sufferings has been our timidity.” -John Adams

"Let every sluice of knowledge be opened and set a-flowing." -John Adams — “Let every sluice of knowledge be opened and set a-flowing.” -John Adams

In honor of JA, and of Life Liberty and The Pursuit of Happiness (which I like to translate as LET YOUR FREAK FLAG FLY), I hope you will enjoy these quotes and flags.

I read my eyes out and can't read half enough.... "The more one reads the more one sees we have to read." -John Adams — I read my eyes out and can’t read half enough…. “The more one reads the more one sees we have to read.” -John Adams

I made the flags with scraps of fabric from various sewing projects. The words are all John Adams’.

Cheers to Love, Yoga, Courage, and the Creative Spirit that resides in us all. May we all be happy and free.

Happy Fourth of July! Keep in touch. I’d love to hear from you here or on FB or Twitter. Peace y’all, Melanie

June 26, 2013

Therapeutic Sun Salutations? YES!

Some folks are wondering how I am going to present this weekend’s workshop material. Sun Salutations are supposed to be heating, and physically challenging. And Therapeutic yoga has a reputation for being of the ‘soft’. How can the two possibly meet and play nice in the same room?? It’s exactly that balance of practice that we will construct!

I have been applying principles of therapeutic yoga (that I have learned in a year-long training with Leslie Kaminoff) to my practice of Sun Salutations and classical yoga postures. And it has been nothing short of a Renaissance of Healing and Freedom in my 18 year long yoga practice.

Here is a brief outline of the workshop’s timeline, topics we will discuss, and applications we will weave into practice:

Opening Harmonium Meditation

Definitions of Yoga

The ‘Unbridled Pursuit of Flexibility’ & Bringing your practice in to the present moment.

Sun Salutations origin from Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga.

Methodology of Ashtanga Shala & Mysore Practice.

Traditional Surya Namaskar A & B … poses & sequence

Role of Breath, Bandhas, & Drishti

Role of the Poses

Making modifications to poses & sequence to support and honor the primary application of breath, bandhas, and drishti

Break down Ujjayi Pranayama

Importance of consistent ujjayi pranayama…gives rhythm to the practice.

Finding mula bandha

Finding Uddiyana Bandha

Power of Drishti

Class inquiry…what hurts & when

Modifying sequence per each student

Full practice

Hope to see some of y’all there. Remember, all teachers receive a special Teacher Rate. There is a button for it on the registration page.

LOVE & YOGA, Melanie

June 12, 2013

Pain In The Asana

Asana: pose, posture, seat
Ahimsa: to do no harm

THE DISAPPEARANCE OF A PAIN IN MY ASS
Since the beginning of my 6-week teaching sabbatical I have also taken an intentional break from my regular asana practice of Sun Salutations and classical poses. This is the longest uninterrupted rest from asana I have taken in 17 years of practice. Interestingly, one of the results is that I am pain-free in some of my chronic areas of aggravation… specifically in my hamstring attachment area. Basically, that nagging long-suffered ‘pain in my ass’ has evaporated. This state leaves me simultaneously euphoric and frightened. My asana practice has been my savior, foundation, therapist, refuge, friend, entertainment, release, adventure, and source of livelihood. But apparently it has been the source of a little suffering as well.

Supported 'Head Stand' With 2 Chairs — Supported ‘Head Stand’ With 2 Chairs

JUST HANGIN’

For the past month and a half my daily yoga practice has consisted solely of a couple of restorative poses a day, including my longtime fave of hanging upside down between two chairs (see photo). This break from my regular practice of vigorous asana has enlightened me to the fact that it’s time to re-pattern it so that I can maintain this blissful pain-free state that has happened.

PATTERN AND RE-PATTERN

Re-patterning does not necessarily mean taking on a whole new practice or ditching cherished poses and sequences. I miss and love practicing Sun Salutations. I believe in their healing power. They provide me with focus, concentration, courage, and empowerment like nothing else. And I LOVE TO SWEAT. I do not want to give them up. What to do???

WHAT NOW?

I’m in the process of breaking down the Sun Salutations. Essentially I am re-configuring actions, alignment, and habits of practice tailored to and nurturing of MY body’s story. The intention for practice is ahimsa (causing no harm to myself or others) while still honoring the Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Hatha tradition from where the sequence comes. For me this means approaching practice with courageous honesty and self/body-directed wisdom. It means making changes and proceeding with care. In every moment we must recognize if we are causing suffering, to ourselves or others and adjust accordingly.

AWARENESS

Awareness of a pain in the ass the first step. What we do with that is the interesting next step. I will keep you posted on my progress.

I’d love to hear about your experiences in asana practice. Write me a note in the comments section below. Or let’s chat about it on Facebook or Twitter. Hope to see you soon on a yoga mat!

Peace & Love,
Melanie
Shameless Plug….
Upcoming Sun Salutations Workshop Saturday June 29, 1-5pm, at USA Rec Center in Mobile, Alabama.

Early bird rate $60 ends June 15th.
REGISTER ONLINE NOW

May 19, 2013

The Dalai Lama In New Orleans

Friday I had the great honor to attend a lecture given by the Dalai Lama in New Orleans. Even though I have been twice to Dharamsala where he lives in India, this is the first opportunity I’ve had to hear him speak live. One of the things that is most striking about His Holiness is how funny and down to earth he is. I’m still a little bit awed from the whole experience. I feel really lucky and blessed to have been there.

The city has been preparing for his visit for a year. In the last couple of weeks New Orleanians have draped homes and business in every neighborhood, and churches of all denominations with Tibetan Prayer Flags. I had a fun day cruising around the city on my “#BuddhaBike” doing a photo essay of the flags. All the pics are on my Instagram page. Have a look! You don’t have to be on Instagram to see the photos.

The main thing I have taken to heart from this auspicious audience is that compassion has the power to unlock the suffering and trappings in our personal lives. Practicing peace and compassion in our own lives is the key to bringing more harmony to the whole global family. With so much suffering in the world, how can we not work to become more compassionate beings?

It’s my favorite song…Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.

Please leave comments below. I’d love to hear from you. Keep in touch on Twitter & Facebook too!

IN PEACE & COMPASSION,

Melanie Buffett

If you’re interested to read more information and details about Friday’s lecture and His Holiness’s first ever visit to the Gulf Coast, this is a great article from Nola.Com about the historic visit.