Ujjayi, breath of victory. 

How does it get anymore amazing than that? This throat clearing, muscle challenging, silly pranayama packs full a lot of benefits. 

Targeting the thyroid gland, Ujjayi is a breathing technique that is not for the faint of heart. Sounding similar to a conch shell, this exercise is excellent for promoting confidence while also nourishing the nervous system. It does take a few times to get the hang of! Check out Beverly's guidance on the Breath of Victory. 

*Ujjayi is contraindicated for high blood pressure and major thyroid issues.

Y’all, it is hot! Must be pitta season. As the days grow hotter and the sun brighter, it is important to remain cool so we don’t boil over. Pitta elements are fire and water. When pitta is out of balanced and increased in the body, on may feel over heated, be prone to anger, or tend toward heartburn issues. Balanced pitta is expressed as intelligence, transformation, and digestion. During these hot summer months, it is important to remain cool so we can enjoy, rather than loathe, these beautiful summer days.
There are many tools we have in our belt that can help maintain a healthy balance of pitta during these hot days. Here are a few to try:

1. Keep the melons coming! We all know that watermelon, cucumbers, and honeydo are tasty treats and all cool you down on hot summer days. But do not forget that really they are also nourishing your cells on a deep level. The juice, natural sugars, and watery quality of melons hydrate your whole body to keep things cool.
2. Try a cup of the herb Anantamula. It is excellent. As it directly nourishes and purifies the rasa dhatu, or blood, it releases heat and sooths hot skin conditions. Anantamula is easy to drink and has a sense of sweetness. Cooling anger and irritability are a plus of this root.
3. Lastly, try the pranayama Sheetali. This cooling breath can be done anywhere and provides not only a deep sense of relaxation, but a freshness to the mind and body. Check out my video in instruction on how to do Sheetali. 

Pranayama and Yoga are two major practices that can influence the way we view the world and breath through the world. 

We hiked to the top of a mountain. Mt. McLoughlin. At 9,499 ft, this inactive steep-sided lava cone is one of the volcanic peaks of the Cascade Volcanic Arc. The highest peak between Mt. Shasta and South Sister, the trail to summit is only about 4.5 miles one way, mostly uphill, sometimes confusing to follow, seemingly eons long and at moments extremely steep and rocky. I was struggling. To get to the summit, one must follow the ridge up 1,250 elevation gain while finding appropriate footing and physical strength among eroded rock and sand. While I got in touch with my inner childhood self, with bouts of pouting, spaghetti legs, and extreme physical fatigue, we made it. Without the support of my companion, I might only have seen the first 15 minutes of the trail.

As we face challenges in life, the physical experiences, limitations, or excellence is only a byproduct of our mentality. The first step is meditation and moment-to-moment awareness.   

Feels so good to be alive.