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Journey in to the heat!

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Journey into the heat

By  Melodee Milan ,Destin Hot Yoga Student.

These are my personal experiences.  I can only write for myself and be honest.  When I first considered hot yoga, I was terrified.  The thought of jumping into hot yoga was too much for me to consider.  Not knowing anything about yoga and what that would even be like, the thought of doing it in a heated room was simply too much.  I had so many questions that the FAQ just could not answer.  Ok, so maybe it can say it is infrared heating panels that provide the heat, but what does that actually mean?  How does that compare to anything I’ve ever actually experienced before?  I’ve been in a sauna, I’ve been in a bathtub and a hot tub, and I’ve lain on the blistering hot beach. Are any of these a good point of reference or is it completely different?  This is just one thread of many that my thoughts journeyed on.  Another thread was the sweat and hydration situation.  So I understand we are going to sweat but how much are we talking about here?  What is the best method of hydrating?  As I wrote previously, my entry into hot yoga happened by way of signing up for the beginner’s series.  Through this course I had a proper introduction to yoga before becoming friends with the heat.  I learned most of the basic asanas I would need to go into any class.  I was able to experience something called internal heat, which is heat that is created within your body through movement through the asanas.  The beginner’s course was unheated and I was amazed at how hot we all got in the room just from our own internal heat.  So after graduation I was ready to take on my first hot class.  My first class was at 6 am. For me, this proved to be a mistake because my body was used to practicing in the evenings.  Even though I got up extra early, there wasn’t enough time for me to hydrate properly and I’m certain I made a rookie mistake in that department by not being properly hydrated.  I remember setting up my mat and just being in the heated room before class.  By the time we started the opening breathing exercises, I was already lightly sweating.  After the first few flows, the sweat really started kicking up.  I remember settling back into Downward Facing Dog and the sweat was just drip, drip, dripping onto my mat.  My heart was beating so loudly and I almost wanted to run out of the room in a panic.  Thankfully my wonderful teacher picked that moment to cue everyone to breathe and my focus left the sweat and came back to the breath.  A few deep breaths brought me back from the edge of panic and I was able to settle down and continue the class.  For me, as a beginner, there is a lot going on in my first classes.  I am working so hard to do these challenging poses, some of which are things I’ve never seen or heard of before, while being extremely hot and trying to remember to not only keep breathing but to correctly connect breath to movement.  Afterwards I felt a little sick but still on top of the world.  It was HARD!  I’m not sure if it’s all beginners or just certain types, but I try SO hard.  Even in the breathing exercises I have to remind myself to just relax, that I’m only breathing, it’s not that serious.  

So my next class wakes me early again for a 6 am class.  This time I made sure to hydrate extremely well the day before and have loaded up on my electrolytes and have a plan for electrolyte replacement for after class.  Now that I have a better idea of what to expect, I go into class feeling much more prepared.  It’s a good thing too because this teacher really put it to me!  This time when the sweat started dripping I did not panic.  I was also more prepared by wearing a head band.  Now if they only made a nose band or something because it’s the absolute worst when you’re in Downward Facing Dog and the teacher says “inhale” and you inhale a nice drop of sweat.  Since I was so well hydrated this time around, I could definitely notice even more sweat this second class.  The combination of heat and hard work took some determination but I managed to make it through another class.  I made sure to have electrolyte replacements afterwards and made treating my body right a priority by eating as healthy as possible as well as rehydrating.  I can honestly say that even after only this second class, the focus has already shifted away from the heat and more onto the yoga.  One of the things I love about DHY is the variety of classes available.  I can build my schedule so that one day is a hot vinyasa class and the next day is either unheated, warm, or a hot stretch class.  By varying my schedule, I’m able to create my own yoga program that serves me personally.  

Now I am beyond class #10 and for me, it has proven true what the FAQ says, “It takes about 3 classes to acclimate to the heat and about 10 classes to LOVE IT HOT!”  Now that I have spent some time in many different hot classes, I think for me the closest thing to compare my experience to:  hot tub, sauna, beach, would be the beach.  I personally love the feeling of the sun blazing on my skin and as I lay in savasana breathing my heart back into control, I sometimes do imagine those heat panels are the sun gently warming my skin.  Now don’t get me wrong, there are still times during class when the heat makes its presence known, but now I just look at it as an opportunity to examine a couple things by asking myself if I’ve found my edge and need to back off or if I just need to refocus on breathing and quit worrying about how hot it is.  Sometimes I even need to remind myself that it’s only a little heat, I’m not actually going to die.  Sometimes I remind myself of the many workers who do hard labor outside in the sun all day.  I look back on it after class and can only laugh at how dramatic I am, I didn’t actually think I was going to die and it wasn’t even that bad.  It was work and is sometimes a struggle but it wasn’t like I was making it in my head at the time.  Sure, it’s likely a shock to the system at first, but it really does change and evolve.  Most days I look forward to getting into that hot room and doing yoga.  As soon as I step into the room, my once cold, tight, and often sore muscles start to loosen, lengthen, and relax.  It’s like a heating pad and Epsom salt bath on steroids.  It is better than any pain pill too because it benefits the mind.    

I’m finding this to not only be a journey of the body but also a journey of the mind.  Hot yoga forces you to join forces with your body, because if you do not, your body will not be shy to let you know about it.  I am learning so much about awareness.  I have learned how to tune in to my body and my mind and I am picking up on the subtle signals sent by the two.  Maybe everyone else already knows this, but I am just learning how to decipher the difference between my body saying no, it can’t do something and my mind saying my body can’t do something.  I am learning how to pick up on the early signals of getting dehydrated or overtired.  Outside of class I am more aware of being hungry, being full, being tired, becoming stressed, and anxiety rising.  This practice has helped me to recognize the early signals and given me tools to deal with it.  I have also found hot yoga to be a renewal for me.  I die and I am reborn every practice.  The heat and the work leave me breathless and reset.  Whoever I was before class is not the same person that walks out.  Whatever burdens I carried, whatever stresses and resentments I was holding onto stick with me no longer.  I am once again free.        

As a sidenote, I found it interesting that my male friend also began his hot yoga journey around the same time I did but his experience was completely opposite from mine.  Instead of easing into it gently, he jumped right on in.  He had a small headache after his first class but otherwise he has taken to hot yoga like a fish to water.  

Here are my tips for hot yoga introduction success:

Hydrate and replenish!  

If you have anxiety or fears about the heat, introduce yourself gradually to the heat.  Maybe consider trying an unheated or warm class to get acclimated first.

Don’t give up!  Acclimating to the heat is a process.

Let go of your expectations.  Open your mind to the experience and realize that this yoga thing is about the journey.

Follow all these tips.  

http://destinhotyoga.com/faq.html

Namaste,

Melodee Milan.

#hot yoga #introduction #journey #hot #loveithot #destin #mirama #emeraldcoast #tips #practiceyoga #everyday #trusttheprocess

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MARGUERITE COOK | RYT200 Read more here

#MargueriteCook

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Unconditional love

by Marguerite Cook, Destin Hot Yoga Teacher  RYT200.

Unconditional love, two words with so much meaning when paired together. To love someone so much that you place their happiness above anything else, regardless of what you get in return. In today’s cut throat society it is hard NOT expect something in return for your efforts. This concept even bleeds into our most intimate relationships. Bringing down the expectation to get a return on investment and be completely vulnerable to someone can be extremely scary. We usually catch a glimpse of this deep type of love with family. Holding a baby for the first time will cause a wash of intimacy and unconditional love that we may not have experienced before. Caring for a parent who is growing more dependent on you will also require sacrifice for someone else’s happiness not matter our costs. Being in love and having unconditional love can be exhausting. To always give can drain you mentally, emotionally, and sometimes physically. It is important to take a step back and remember you need to love yourself unconditionally. Taking time out of your day to reflect on yourself is vital to keep giving. Take this idea to your yoga practice and open your heart in camel pose. Trust yourself as you go back into the unknown, with your heart open and exposed, and then move slowly into a child’s pose. This allows you to retreat back to your comfort zone and to close off the rest of the world. To create balance you need to put as much effort in as you do out. As you start your day allot time for yourself. It isn’t selfish, it is a necessity. You spend so much of your day giving, don’t forget to retreat and refresh. A good way to start a “me-time” routine is to commit to something you do for yourself. Taking yoga everyday with the 30 day challenge is a great way to start the process. You can also utilize your phone and get meditation apps that will remind you to take time and you can even meditate with others. Join a book club and take the time to actually read the books! This will allow you cut time out of your schedule for self-love and you have the support from the group. You can’t love unconditional if you are empty and depleted.

#unconditionallove #yoga destinhotyoga selflove 30daychallenge yogaeveryday

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TINA NEWELL Destin Hot Yoga Instructor | E-RYT 200, RYT 500, YACEP

#TinaNewell

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Slowing it down - the other part of a yoga practice….

By Tina Newell

Very often, when we talk about yin yoga, I have to think of our first dog. Sammie No.1, a bundle of hyper black lab. Maybe because he was born in Colorado where the air is a bit thinner, he was extremely hyper. I walked and ran him for hours and he never missed a beat. He tired me out - not the other way around. People told me that he will slow down soon, but it took him 11 years to finally settle a bit. They say, dogs are like their owners… I admit, I have a hard time sitting still and just being with what is (maybe that's the thin air in the Alps where I was born). When I took my first Yin Yoga class, I was still very much hooked on the fast paced Vinyasa style practices, and I felt misplaced. How could people around me be so still, seeming not just quiet but even content? I could not wait to move on to the next pose or shape. I even watched myself getting angry, thinking this is stupid and frustrating (sorry Angela). Yes, it was a physical challenge which I love to get deep into the connective tissue, but it was much more a mental challenge. I watched my mind going 100 miles an hour in all kinds of different directions. I can still hear my teachers' voice inviting me to "simply allow whatever comes up, emotions, thoughts, images… to simply look at those, acknowledge them and let them be or maybe even release them with an exhale". For me, that was not a simple thing to do! But I followed her advice and kept trying - for months. Just like with our doggie Sammie, the general suggestion that it takes 5-10 times to really get the body and mind to like Yin Yoga was not for me. It took me at least twice as long to embrace the experience of stillness in a yin class and to actually like it. I know I am not the only one feeling this way. In this day of age, even here in Destin, where everyone seems on beach time and maybe more relaxed than elsewhere, most of us live a fast paced life style, constantly on the go, busy, busy, busy. When do we take the time to quiet down - no calls or texts, no TV, no distractions, just us? To withdraw, to meditate or practice yin or any other restorative yoga can be quite the challenge. Between a deployed husband, a stressful job, and a sick parent overseas, Yin Yoga saved me from having a nervous breakdown.  It allowed me to just be, no judgement (besides my own), just me, the shape/pose, the breath, and the attempt to quiet down the mind. So what exactly is yin? I really want to say: Try it out and see for yourself, even if this is your very first time practicing yoga! You do not need to have any previous yoga experience to attend a yin or restorative class. But here are some facts: It is the complement of your muscular practice, may it be vinyasa, hot 26, or any other active, yang practice. It allows you to re-connect with your true self. All poses/shapes during yin are supported by floor, blankets and blocks so one can avoid using muscles. This will turn your practice into a more passive one. By practicing in an unheated environment, we keep the muscles cool and prevent them from taking over while holding the poses/shapes. We stay for at least three minutes per shape to get into the deeper layers of connective tissue and start stressing the joints to create space in the body.  By being still, maybe even fidget-free, while in the shape, we get to still the mind utilizing Anapanasati - the observation of our breath. Even after practicing Yin Yoga for 5 years, I am still fighting the battle of being quiet and still once in a while and I wish Yin Yoga had found me earlier.  But I certainly quieted down like our doggie and I am way more relaxed and laid back (and it is not due to age:)) We created space for you to find that stillness, mentally and physically at Destin Hot Yoga. Every Sunday at 5 pm, we offer unheated Yin Yoga for 75 minutes and we also have specialty 2 hours classes for Yin and Restorative, (soon to come LSD- Long Slow Deep). Please allow us to share our sanctuary with you.

#destinhotyoga #lsd #yinyoga #loveyourself #yoga #longslowdeep restorativeyoga #connect withyourtrueself

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Diary of a Yoga Newb

by Melodee Thaxton -Destin Hot Yoga Beginner Series Student-

Day Zero:  Here’s what I know about yoga.  I had an old yoga video that I tried to follow a couple of times.  Instead of a strap, I had to use a belt because that’s all I had available.  Well, I hurt my shoulder both times I did this one stretch so I put yoga back on the shelf.  I went about my life for several years, with wanting to try yoga always being a goal.  After moving across town and very close to this cool looking place called “Destin Hot Yoga” I happened to mention my interest in checking it out to a friend of mine.  She had actually been there before and said she thought it was really awesome. So I stalked DHY on Facebook and lo and behold, like a week later I saw a post about an unheated Beginner’s Series starting.  The mental gymnastics ensued as I hawed about whether to join.  Here’s a little peek of what went on. Self:  6 weeks is a long time, I don’t know if I’m ready for that kind of commitment to something I’ve never tried before.  I really have no idea what yoga is about.  I don’t know anybody.  What am I supposed to wear?  Do I need to buy a mat?  My shoulders hurt those couple of times I tried yoga.  I’m not super flexible. It went on like this until I finally just took it as a sign that my friend and I had just talked about it and here comes the perfect opportunity to not only learn what yoga is about, but to do it unheated.  I’d be silly not to take part.  So I signed up!!

Week One:  Ok, so maybe I didn’t get much sleep last night over anxiety keeping me awake about it but I showed up anyway.  Alright, so now I know this is how you set up your mat.  Not too sure what we’re supposed to be doing until class starts so I’ll just sit here quietly and take it all in.  Ahh, meet the teachers, with such welcoming, positive energy.  Talking? Ok, we’re definitely cool with listening. I learned that yoga means union, that the“moves”are called asanas,and that they are but one limb out of ”the 8 limbs of yoga” .I also learned how to breathe. 

Week Two:  Oh boy, here we go.  Something that looks as simple as standing now has several steps to accomplish first.  Lots of rearranging and turning around to look in the mirror and lots of reminders of “Smile!  It’s not that serious!”  So this is what Downward Facing Dog is supposed to be.  What it’s supposed to be and what mine is, are worlds apart.  Enter the introduction of another major tenet of yoga, “be where you are”.  Do not compare yourself to anyone else, not even to yourself or what you were yesterday.  Simply be where you are, RIGHT NOW.  Yoga takes practice y’all.  Lots and lots of practice. Week Three:  Yep, my body is actually sore, pretty much everywhere.  It would seem I have never in my life lifted my arms above my head the way they are reacting.  I can only laugh as my legs wobble and shake as I just stand there, in a very specific way.  Who knew this much went into each pose?  I certainly had no clue. Week Four:  Wow, so my whole life, I had heard about “runner’s high” but let me tell you, I felt no such thing after running.  But yoga bliss is real.  We actually got our hearts really pumping stringing together like 4 poses in a row.  I felt like I was on top of the world.  Now I know why they say yoga is good for your health and can be a workout.  It’s been so nice to love my body and learn not just what it can do, but also what it can’t do.  The teachers were excellent here because they took the time to explain and show how to use blocks, straps and blankets to help meet yourself where you are and do the pose safely. Week Five:  I am no longer losing sleep at night and in fact I am looking forward to the days I get to go to class.  I find myself doing yoga throughout the day, practicing my ujjayi  breath in the grocery store when someone leaves their cart smack dab in the middle of the aisle or balancing on one foot while brushing my teeth or to put on my pants.  There is an air of sadness as the course comes to a close because it’s been such a journey! Week Six:  6 weeks is hardly any time at all to cram in all the information, but somehow the girls did it!  I now know enough basic postures, and flow to feel confident going into any class I like.  I feel connected to each person in the class, the teachers, and especially myself.  I am more aware, centered, healthy, strong, mindful, spiritual, flexible, and even in better shape.  I can honestly say this experience has changed my life.  Yoga is the gift that you need, I invite you to receive it. Namaste!

-Melodee-

#beginnersyoga #loveyourself #new beginnings #yogasutras #asana #destinhotyoga #destin #florida #beginnerseries #yogafamily #love

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Beginnings

by Melissa Shalongo E-RYT 200,RYT 500,RCYT, YACEP, Certified Life Coach

What is it about a new calendar year that seems to hold so much potential for beginnings? Whether it’s a new diet, a new exercise program, or even a new outlook on life, January seems to be the most obvious starting point for people looking to initiate healthy change in their lives. But, why January? Are people more inclined to keep their resolutions or reach their goals if they begin their earnest efforts at the start of the year? According to recent statistics the answer is no. In fact, less than half of people who make new year’s resolutions actually keep them past the first 6 months. So, why all the fuss every new year?? Well I’m no expert, but I think it has something to do with our mind-set. In each turning of the calendar year, our psyches get a chance to hit RESET, to wash the proverbial slate clean and start fresh. But is this astrologically insignificant, rather arbitrary moment in time necessary to achieve what I like to call a ‘beginner’s mind’? I don’t think so, and I think our beloved Yoga authority, Patanjali would agree.

In the first Yoga Sutra - “Atha Yoga Anushasanam”, he invites us to step into the beginner’s mind-set by drawing our attention to NOW. He calls on us to begin the discipline or practice of yoga in this present moment - atha.  Patanjali understood the illusory nature of time and how the present moment is all that we really have at our disposal. He explains how the mind can easily hijack the present moment and rob us of it’s inherent potential by drawing us into the future or the past. In our yoga practice we learn to use the breath and body as a means of staying connected to this precious resource, nowness. By turning our attention inward, focusing on our breath, or moving ‘mindfully’, we learn to harness or “yoke” the mind into staying in the present moment.

This is the practice of yoga stepping into the present moment with awareness and allowing the multi-dimensional parts of ourselves to work together in harmony.  In being completely and fully present, we access inherent wisdom in ourselves not available otherwise.  According to Loren Cruden,

“Nowness is where all participation begins and ends and is renewed in each turning of the wheel. Nowness is the path and the destination, and so you are always and already here.”

When we harness the energy of NOW, guidance becomes an ‘and now’ experience, rather than ‘what next’. We no longer need the context of a new year, a new month, or even a new day to make choices that serve our highest and best selves. The present moment is filled with mystery, surprise, and most importantly choice.  Like the dawning of each new day, every new breath we take presents us with an opportunity to begin living our best lives. So the next time you find yourself looking to the Gregorian Calendar, your watch, or any outside authority for guidance, look no further than yourself.  Harness the power of NOW and the inherent wisdom within. -Melissa Shalongo-

#yoga #sutra #beginners #new beginnings #harmony #nowness #destin #hotyoga #beyourself #hereandnow

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Jessica Dunlap One Legged Crow/ Flying Crow Eka Pāda Bakāsana

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New Yoga Resolutions

by Jessica Dunlap

Last week I read, “If it scares you and excites you at the same time, you should probably try it.” I feel it in my bones, that 2017 is the year of exciting and scary adventures. When it comes to yoga , I have always had this fear. Being a teacher and practitioner for almost six years now, you’d think my fears would have disintegrated by now. There’s always that worry though, what if I’m not training enough, learning enough, researching enough? I’ve always had this resistance to make yoga my everything. To dive and delve into every aspect, and make it my world. I always keep back ups, back up jobs, back up plans, which is great and all, however, this year is going to be different. I am going to put all of my trust and my love into what I value the most in my world (besides family of course); my yoga.   Opportunities will arise in your 2017, just like they are doing for me. It’s up to you if you are going to take the chance. If you don’t try, how will you ever know if you’ll succeed? If you feel there’s a pull, some whispering in your ear telling you what’s missing in your life, you might regret not taking the jump.   I think starting our Beginner Series at Destin Hot Yoga in January is the perfect time.  January is all about new beginnings, in all  aspects of our lives. Yoga is a great place to start. I left yoga once. About three years ago, I stopped practicing for an entire year. Want to know what happened? My entire world started falling apart, piece by piece. Of course I didn’t realize it at the time, but yoga was my peace. It was where I found my truth in my world. Through my asana (posture) and pranayama (breath) practice, that is where I found my deepest meaning. Making my way back to yoga was the best thing I could have ever done for myself. I hope those who are maybe starting their journey with yoga at Destin Hot Yoga, or those taking the beginner series to bring it back to the basics, find the truth like I did. It starts out as just movements to find strength, or find flexibility, but it will creep up on you. For some it might take longer, but it will happen. Yoga will happen to you, and 2017 is the perfect year for it.   Along with new beginnings in 2017 come the New Year’s resolutions. Everyone makes a vow, a promise to themselves. Usually this promise is to better themselves in some form or fashion. I do feel that taking care of you first is obviously the most important. What I love most though, is witnessing resolutions for others.  Resolutions to help others, to be kinder to others, do something for another living being. We get so carried up in ourselves, and our daily world, our goals; everything I was reading last year about 2016 resolutions was me, me, me. Maybe this year, you do something for someone else. This is why I love Destin Hot Yoga. Along with our beginner’s series or our 30 day challenge coming up, we are offering a community class every week for $5. Want to know why I think this is awesome? Because it is giving back. It is giving to the community, so everyone can experience yoga. So maybe everyone can have the chance of finding their truth, no matter the cost.   A woman came up to me last week in the studio and said, “I realize how much yoga is affecting my life.  From work to my kids, I am calmer. Things that used to send me over the edge, now I take a breath and move past it much easier.” To me, this woman is finding her peace. Maybe 2017 is the time to find yours.