New Week - New Yoga Topics!

☀️

Good Monday friends and family, & Namaste! Last week you saw, I focused on debunking a lot of fear and access barriers around the sacred practice of Yoga. This week, I will be focusing on evidence based outcomes and benefits of Yoga. It is my hope that with this information, you can see how accessible self care and healing is through something that is inherit to you (movement, breath, and rest). Along with me hosting this challenge, is my yoga teacher and a yoga classmate of mine!

☕️Feel free to brows our posts as we hope to educate, support, and inspire those who may be on the fence about trying mindful based movement and integrative self care.

🧘‍♀️Throughout the week, this will be my focus:

🌊 Monday: Structural benefits and research
🔥 Tuesday: Mental benefits and research
🌬 Wednesday: Stress reduction
🌿 Thursday: Using yoga for pain management
🦋 Friday: Using yoga to improve sleep hygiene
🦚 Saturday: Yoga to help fatigue

📿 Remember that we are hosting a GIVEAWAY to those who interact with us. To be eligible to win, you must also follow @THEJENN_BARLOW ( Jennifer J. Barlow ) and @ALIGNWITHARIEL ( Ariel Katherine ) on here or on Instagram.

🌙 YOU MUST ALSO SHARE, REPOST, & TAG @melmarieyoga (Mel Marie Yoga ) either on here or Instagram. Make sure you use hashtag #truthaboutyoga #exposetoinform

Example:
1) Follow 2)tag 3) hashtags 4)Your questions/experiences DONE!

🌒🌕🌘 The winner will receive a health based EO blend created by The Divine Crown LLC (@the_divine_crown ) and an intention gemstone bracelet! Other goodies may be added!

Let's begin!

#sanantoniotexas #sanantonioyoga #sanantonioyogi #yoga #210yogis #mentalhealth #mindfulness #wellness #yogaforautism #autismawareness #autismmama #autsim

Misconceptions About Yoga. Myth 6: BEAUTY & YOUTHFULNESS " I'm not enough for yoga."

Misconceptions About Yoga.
Myth 6: BEAUTY & YOUTHFULNESS
" I'm not enough for yoga."

#exposetoinform

- I have to admit, I was the one who thought that I needed to look a certain way in order for me to get into yoga. Everyone would tell me, "try yoga". By everyone, I mean friends and it said it in the cards lol literally. But I just brushed it off because I felt like I needed to be a certain size, hieight, flexibility, and have a certain radiant look.... basically the way the models look like on social media, doing yoga.
-Once I actually took the time to understand what yoga is, I noticed that, that is completely untrue and the opposite of what yoga is even about.
- Part of what Yoga is about, is self acceptance and surrender. This takes me back to my studies on the Yamas & Niyamas (the ethical practices of yoga). Ishvara Pranidhana (Sanskrit for the jewel of surrender) speaks of accepting and surrender to the present situation. Then there is Satya (truthfulness), speaks of being true to yourself, don't allow ego to take over.
- The point of yoga is to look within and see where within, needs work. To face our shadows (The Divine Crown LLC Channel YouTube channel has a video on what "shadow self" means).
- Yoga invites us to explore and excavate ourselves, inside and out. To be authentic and truthful with our selves. To Practice self acceptance and coming to any situation as you are and accepting the event as it is, without the need to fix, change, or solve anything or anyone.
- When we get to know ourselves, we become that much closer to our true essence and our Divine Creator (whoever that is for you). We then uncover our souls purpose. We activate ascension.
- Yoga is not a beauty trend. It is a lifestyle. Are you ready to work on some ascension practices? Are you ready to do your spiritual work? It is not all rainbows and pony's, it's real work of the self. If so, I encourage you to try yoga, and keep trying until you find a yoga class that best fits who you are, best fits your style. You want to be comfortable while you're going through this spiritual transformation.

" A beautiful face will age and a perfect body will change, but a beautiful soul will always be a beautiful soul." - Unknown

Work on your soul.

With so much gratitude,
Namaste,
Jennifer

Are you on INSTAGRAM?
🦋With everything going on and the need for stress management we want to address the access barriers to yoga and mindfulness practices. We will spend the rest of the month debunking misconceptions and myths around yoga and mindfulness in hopes to educate and empower our community in their personal wellness.

🌿GIVEAWAY: Share, repost, tag or post your own perspective and process to the debunking by following with our weekly hashtags and tagging @thejenn_barlow @alignwithariel @melmarieyoga.

🌀Each week a winner will be announced ON SUNDAY. Week One winner receive a Meditate Daily shirt, a Chakra Alignment meditation oil blend created by The Divine Crown @the_divine_crown , and an intention bracelet stack with howlite and tigers eye stones. To be eligible to win, you must be following!

Misconceptions About yoga: "All yoga is the same."

Are you on INSTAGRAM?
🦋With everything going on and the need for stress management we want to address the access barriers to yoga and mindfulness practices. We will spend the rest of the month debunking misconceptions and myths around yoga and mindfulness in hopes to educate and empower our community in their personal wellness.
🌿GIVEAWAY: Share, repost, tag or post your own perspective and process to the debunking by following with our weekly hashtags and tagging @thejenn_barlow @alignwithariel @melmarieyoga.
🌀Each week a winner will be announced. Week One winner receive a Meditate Daily shirt, a Chakra Alignment meditation oil blend created by The Divine Crown @the_divine_crown , and an intention bracelet stack with howlite and tigers eye stones. To be eligible to win, you must be following!
#exposetoinform
WEEK ONE
FRIDAY
MISCONCEPTION ABOUT YOGA - " All yoga is the same."

-For me and other's who are being educated in the practice of Yoga, this misconception is actually easy to dispel. It is believed to many that all yoga is the same.
-In actuality, there is not one single practice of yoga. From Bikram, to Kundalini, to Hatha, and SO much more, you actually have a plethora of options to choose from.
- You can try a yoga class just about anywhere from dedicated yoga studios, to gyms, and even military bases these days.
- You will have a different experience each time because, each mindfulness coach has a different style. As time goes on, I'm noticing that there are many styles of yoga which can call to different people. It is just a matter of knowing your own style and which yoga practice fit you best, and speaks to your essence.
- How many times have you tried yoga that you had decided it is not for you? How many different styles have you tried? Did you know you can create your own unique flow? Did you come away from a class or two and were disappointed?
-Keep trying until you find your type!
- I have my own style that is coming to fruition and i'm in love with the fact that I can add my own unique style to my yoga practice as a mindfulness coach.
- I have begun to incorporate my 7 year old autistic son into my yoga practice and I have seen results! This has become a new found passion of mine and am working toward my own research and documentation on yoga for autism. I'm so excited to get started on that journey with my son, and hopefully other children with disabilities as well.
-You see, there is a yoga practice for everyone, even those with special needs.
*What can you add to this post about "all yoga is the same." Interact with me and you could be eligible to win some pretty awesome tools for your yoga practice! Whatever that may look like to you!

With so much gratitude,
Namaste,
Jennifer J. Barlow

Misconception About Yoga: "You Need To Be Flexible."

Are you on INSTAGRAM?

🦋With everything going on and the need for stress management we want to address the access barriers to yoga and mindfulness practices. We will spend the rest of the month debunking misconceptions and myths around yoga and mindfulness in hopes to educate and empower our community in their personal wellness.
🌿GIVEAWAY: Share, repost, tag or post your own perspective and process to the debunking by following with our weekly hashtags and tagging @thejenn_barlow @alignwithariel @melmarieyoga.
🌀Each week a winner will be announced. Week One winner receive a Meditate Daily shirt, a Chakra Alignment meditation oil blend created by The Divine Crown @the_divine_crown , and an intention bracelet stack with howlite and tigers eye stones. To be eligible to win, you must be following!

#exposetoinform
WEEK ONE
THURSDAY
MISCONCEPTION ABOUT YOGA - " You need to be flexible to do yoga."

As someone who was new to yoga, I did have that thought in my head. But, teachers taught me that I do not need to be flexible in order to get the benefits of yoga. Doing my own research has shown me that. Yoga is not about whether or not you can touch your toes, although, eventually, you will be able to the more you practice, but that's not the point.

Let me break it down for you:
Yoga is an ancient system with it's roots stemming from India. The ancient system teaches you asanas (postures) that help you become more balanced, aligned, healthier, and to deepen your meditative state. When practicing these asanas, you do eventually become more flexible, but that's not the point, like I said in one of my last posts. The asanas help you to gain clarity, relaxation, release tension, and not burn fat, but burn karma. Yoga has nothing to do with making major flexible positions and seeing how long you can stay there to burn fat. This is about burning karmic debt, for the purpose of awakening your soul, and also uncovering your souls purpose. It's actually a spiritual practice, not an exercise or religious practice. Yoga includes breathing techniques, meditation, practicing nonviolence, body and mind management, stress management, practicing authenticity, and non-attachment, among others.

Notice how in none of that, I mention it is about shedding pounds and having the need for flexibility.... because, again, that's not the point. focusing on your breathing and practicing being truthful to you self and others is yoga. Going into meditation and using mudras (a symbolic or ritual gesture performed by the hands, used in conjunction with pranayama (yogic breathing exercises) is yoga.

If you have any questions and want to add to this post, please head over to INSTAGRAM and interact with me. Remember, when you do, you automatically enter yourself into a GIVEAWAY which will include tools you can use in your own yoga practice. However that looks like to you.

Please share this post if you know anyone who can benefit!

How to enter:
- Follow @thejenn_barlow @alignwithariel @melmarieyoga on INSTAGRAM
- Interact in the comment area and use hashtag #exposetoinform

Hope to see you there!

With so much gratitude,
Namaste,
Jennifer J. Barlow

Misconceptions About Yoga: Yoga is a religion.

Misconception About Yoga:

Yoga is a Religion

#ExposeToInform

 

Are you on INSTAGRAM?
#exposetoinform
WEEK ONE
WEDNESDAY - RELIGION

 

🦋With everything going on and the need for stress management we want to address the access barriers to yoga and mindfulness practices. We will spend the rest of the month debunking misconceptions and myths around yoga and mindfulness in hopes to educate and empower our community in their personal wellness.

🌿GIVEAWAY: Share, repost, tag or post your own perspective and process to the debunking by following with our weekly hashtags and tagging @thejenn_barlow @alignwithariel @melmarieyoga.

🌀Each week a winner will be announced. Week One winner receive a Meditate Daily shirt, a Chakra Alignment meditation oil blend created by The Divine Crown @the_divine_crown , and an intention bracelet stack with howlite and tigers eye stones. To be eligible to win, you must be following!

 

YOGA & RELIGION

- Yoga IS NOT a religion. It is a science. Yoga's roots comes from the ancient Vedic texts dating back to 600 BCE. These texts which deliver hymns, prayers, and ascension practices. They talk enlightenment. Reaching the rainbow body. The creation of Yoga was inspired by these ancient texts.

Yoga is a science of mindfulness, wellbeing, and integration of the mind, body, and spirit. There have been scientific studies and research on this which you can find at googlescholar.com Here, you will see the positive transformation of the brain and physical habits because of Yoga.

- What else would you like to add on the fact that yoga is not a religion? Engage with me, tag me and my yogi friends above, and win some pretty awesome tools to add into your yoga practice.

-Remember to be respectful.

Namaste,
Jennifer

HOW TO ENTER TO WIN THE GIVEAWAY:

Where: INSTAGRAM

Hashtag: #exposetoinform

Tag Who:  @thejenn_barlow @alignwithariel @melmarieyoga

What Do I Need To Do: Interact with me on my post by weither asking me question about this subject, or providing more info on how Yoga is not a religion.

#sanantonioyoga #sanantonioyogi  #sanantoniomindfulnesscoach #sanantonio #sanantoniotexas #yoga  #beginneryoga #meditation #spiritualpractices #rewiringthebrain #mentalhealth #quantumhealing #qunatumphysics #consciousness #subconsciousness #vedictexts #mindbodysoul #selfcare #mindfulness #wellness #ritual #metaphysics #prayer #breakingunhealthyhabits #neuralmapping #vedicpractices #yogaforautism #autsimmama #autism #autismawareness  

Misconceptions About Yoga

Misconceptions About Yoga

#exposetoinform

Are you on INSTAGRAM?
#exposetoinform
WEEK ONE
TUESDAY - PERFORMANCE

🦋With everything going on and the need for stress management we want to address the access barriers to yoga and mindfulness practices. We will spend the rest of the month debunking misconceptions and myths around yoga and mindfulness in hopes to educate and empower our community in their personal wellness.
🌿GIVEAWAY: Share, repost, tag or post your own perspective and process to the debunking by following with our weekly hashtags and tagging @thejenn_barlow @alignwithariel @melmarieyoga.

🌀Each week a winner will be announced. Week One winner receive a Meditate Daily shirt, a Chakra Alignment meditation oil blend created by The Divine Crown @the_divine_crown , and an intention bracelet stack with howlite and tigers eye stones. To be eligible to win, you must be following!

PERFORMANCE:

I realize there are a lot of misconceptions about the practice of Yoga. Unfortunately, some of these misconceptions around Yoga have discouraged some people from exploring and engaging in the practice.

Here are 2 when it comes to the performance of Yoga:
1)You have to be skinny, flexible, and do head stands. --> No.
Whether you are flexible or stiff, there is a yoga practice for you. Also, Whether you are skinny or plus size, there is a yoga practice for you! And anyway, it's not about whether or not you can touch your toes. You may be able to eventually, but that's not the point lol. In fact, many props are used to help everyone slide into the next position safely and comfortably. Props are used throughout the practice. NEVER feel pressured to do exactly what the tall, beautiful, skinny, model is doing on the cover of some wellness magazine or Instagram post. You do you boo boo, as Kevin Hart would say! Listen to you body. Do what you want and what feels good. Have fun! Explore! Be curious!

- What's the point of Yoga?
The word "yoga" is Sanskrit for "connection", "harmony", or "communication". The point? To achieve oneness with your most authentic essence. Your true self. Exploring and revealing this can actually reveal what your purpose is here on this earth. It's to achieve oneness with your mind, body, and spirit. It is designed to rewire your conscious and subconscious practices, and elevate them into something positive, through body, and mind management.

2) Yoga is sporty and competitive. Who can do which position better. --> No
- Although elements of physical activity are there, it is not meant to be competitive or to be done in a rush. It's a yoga practice, not yoga perfection or competition.

- Yoga is about listening to your body. What feels right and nourishing to your body. What is nourishing to your body, is nourishing to your mind and spirit. It is to improve those 3 elements. It was not designed to shed a few pounds.

-Yoga is a combination of (I just got feel good goose pumps while thinking about writing this part for you to read lol ) spiritual, mental, and physical practices. The purpose is to align with your most authentic self energetically, mentally, spiritually, and physically. To control your own thought patterns, to achieve the flow into ascension, into something spiritual.

-Yoga teaches us to keep equilibrium, control out body, to connect to our essence, to look deep within, face what needs to be faced, work through it, heal it, and for most achieve connection with our Divine Source too.

- Difference between yoga and any other physical fitness? Yoga is here to rewire and reach a higher state of the conscious and subconscious through mind and body management.
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#sanantoniotexasyoga #sanantonio #sanantonioyoga #stressmanagement #yoga #misconceptionsaboutyoga #meditation #prayer #alignment #beginneryoga #yogapractices #mindfulness #wellness #rewireyourbrain #namaste #blessings 🙏🏼