Journal

This week at Big Raven Yoga, we’re focusing on meditation: how to practice it, why to practice it, and what meditation means to you. Today, we’re coming at you with an infographic in which you’ll learn a few tips and tricks for beginning your own meditation practice: Download Try Guided Meditations How exactly are you supposed to meditate meaningfully? It’s a mystery for beginners! A guided meditation will walk you through the basics of meditation such as breathing techniques, relaxation methods, and other mindfulness strategies. Start out Small Begin with short meditation sessions and slowly build up to longer ones...

It’s not often that we think of dwelling on the past as a good thing — and we shouldn’t. Living in the past can often bring up negative emotions such as sadness, anger, loneliness, and even depression. Obsessing over things which have gone wrong in the past is toxic; not only does it prevent you from moving forward toward your future goals, but it doesn’t allow you to adapt to changing situations around you. The other side of dwelling on negative experiences of the past, is people who relive the same life-changing moments over and over again, and fear that the...

Eating healthy is an important part of taking care of your body. You can exercise all you want, but if you’re not putting good food in, your stomach will rebel against you! In the spirit of eating nutritiously, we’ve put together a quick meal plan for one full day, including breakfast, lunch, dinner and even a few snack options! Download(If your browser doesn’t download the image, simply right-click to save or drag it to your desktop!) Breakfast Whole-grain toast topped with peanut butter and your favorite fresh fruit, like bananas or strawberries. Lunch Green salad with grilled chicken (or seared...

The purpose of our lives is to be happy. If there is no happiness, we should ask ourselves what is there? I often like to view the true objective of yoga as happiness. Through a practice of awareness and mindfulness, one can learn how to live simply and in the present. Not just during our practice, but at all moments throughout the day. In our modern society it is easy to feel the pressures of your job, family, and future goals — and thus easy to forget why it is we exist in the first place. That brings us to...

Your ideal yoga mat probably isn’t the cheap waffle weave mat found at most big box stores. An inexpensive mat won’t hold up for those who plan to practice several times a week. Your chaturangas and sun salutations easily create holes in the surface and the texture will start to wear, creating something akin to a Slip ‘N Slide. We want to pair our practice with a durable, stylish, easy-to-clean, and eco-friendly yoga mat. The perfect mat won’t distract you from your practice; but rather, bring you closer to it, allowing you to enjoy your downward dog without having to...