the lovely catalyst: Recent Episodes
E. Consoli
A little guided meditation to help you unwind at the end of the day and drift off to sleep. Get comfy under the covers, hit play and catch some zzz’s
Last Thursday I was lucky enough to lead a mindfulness workshop at King Chiropractic. The idea was to give an intro to mindfulness, focusing on meditation. We talked through the hurdles that stop us from meditating: lack of time, don't know what to do, don't know enough about it, struggle to keep it consistent etc. Then we practiced a few simple techniques: awareness of breathe, feeling sensations in the body, and focusing our attention on sounds around us. We ended with a short guided meditation that brought these practices together. I'd like to share it here with everyone.
This simple guided meditation is just under 6 minutes long and can be used anytime anywhere.
Happy Wednesday!
elena x
PS - Apologies the sound quality is a bit off, it's time for a new mic!
I first heard of Eoin Finn six years ago when I was selling his yoga dvds at lululemon. Three years later I spotted Eoin at a leadership conference. If you've ever had the opportunity to meet someone you admired, you can probably relate to my concerns- "what if he isn't as kind as he seems?" "what if he ignores me?" "what if saying hi ruins my opinion of him?"
Well, I decided to risk it and I'm glad I did. He greeted me with a big warm hug, and was exactly as lovely and authentic as I had imagined. A year and a half later I booked a flight to Bali, Indonesia to do a 100 hour yoga training with him and have counted him as a great teacher and friend ever since.
Here's our chat about bliss, purpose, love, and yoga.
elena x
pic of me with Eoin and two fellow Blissology teachers at the Unroll Europe Tour in Duke of York Square,
From Blissology: "The Blissology symbol really explains our philosophy. The white circle represents the still place inside that fills us with love. Then there is a series of “part flame and part teardrops” to symbolize both the great joys and great sorrows that open us up to the love inside of us. The first flame represents our connection to our bodies, the beige flame to our personal relationships, the green to our communities and the finally the blue flame represents our connection to nature.
This is our mission. To connect to the still place inside and let it guide us in all our relationships so we leave a legacy of Love."
If you have only dreamed of traveling to remote islands, you probably picture lush green landscapes, empty beaches and clear blue oceans. If you've been so lucky as to live on or visit a beautiful island, then chances are, you've seen the reality. The beaches are often dirty, there is litter strewn along the roads and the sand, even in the oceans. It can be a harsh reality to witness. How do you reconcile what you are seeing with what you had imagined? How did this happen?
In many cases, these beautiful islands had been sustainable back when it was only their indigenous populations living off the land. Unfortunately, once the islands experience an influx of tourism and western culture, it is usually more than their infrastructure was designed to handle. The result? Trash. Lots of it. Everywhere.
While training in Bali with Eoin Finn, I instantly noticed the amount of trash, especially plastic waste, along the roads and streams, heading for the ocean. One night during dinner a group of local kids came to speak to us about an organization they had started called Bye Bye Plastic Bags Bali. I was thrilled to hear that the locals recognized the problem and were hard at work to find a solution. To be honest, I was even more impressed that it was young children leading the charge. They shared their goal with us: to get one million signatures on a petition banning plastic bags from the island of Bali, in favour of sustainable, natural, reusable bags instead. All 41 of us signed the petition and immediately shared it on social media.
Four months later, in September 2015 (strangely enough while I was assisting Eoin in London) the sisters who had founded Bye Bye Plastic Bags Bali were also in London, giving a TEDGlobal talk. Watch these impressive girls share their story:
Catch you next week!
elena x
Jane Goodall, surely you've heard of her? You know, the woman who did groundbreaking research on chimpanzees and has also worked tirelessly in the name of conservation and animal welfare?
Well for this week's inspiration, enjoy this short video of Goodall sharing bits and pieces of her story, thoughts, and motivations. This is an excerpt from the documentary HUMAN by Yann Arthus-Bertrand which looks at what it means to be human and live on our planet. Enjoy the wisdom of what she has to share.
elena x
Joseph Campbell was a great teacher and writer. He has a beautiful message about bliss, and what happens when you follow it. Listen here:
Campbell's teachings inspired a great teacher of mine, Eoin Finn. Eoin is a yogi, surfer and a blissologist. Just seeing Eoin's smile or hearing him speak instantly makes me feel happy. Check in this month on the lovely catalyst podcast to hear us chat about bliss, love, life, and purpose.
elena x
All too often we get swept up in doing things for everybody else. It can be a wonderful thing. To love, support, be of service. The trouble comes in when we give so much that we have nothing left. My aunt had a beautiful metaphor for this. She used to say to her family, "think of me as a pitcher, I will pour out everything I have for you, but you have to keep filling me back up." Let this practice be a chance for you to refill your own pitcher.
a self-love class playlist:
Always by Startle the Heavens
Inside of Love by Nada Surf
All to All by Broken Social Scene
City of Roses by Esperanza Spalding
And Asleep I am Your Everything by Luke Pickett
Lost in the Light by Bahamas
No Harm by The Boxer Rebellion
Somewhere Only We Know by Lily Allen
Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley
The Winter by Balmorhea
side note This post has been a bit delayed, it "should" have gone out on Monday. I was beating myself up about it and stressing about it at first, which is of course terribly ironic as the whole point and message of this class, and this month's content is kindness to ourselves. Thankfully the rest of the week was spent having incredible conversations with dear friends, working on some big areas of life I needed to focus on, and a huge helping of love, kindness, and taking great care of me. All the delays actually better equipped me to share a much more authentic class with you, funny how that works isn't it?
Happy New year!
elena x
Have you ever met someone and knew right away that you would be friends for a long time? That is exactly how I felt when I met Sarah Alice Lee. The first night of training in Bali our mats were next to each other. I was the furthest from home I had ever been in my life, I had traveled there completely alone and had not met anyone yet. Sarah flashed her gorgeous reassuring smile my way and I instantly felt at ease.
For anyone who has not experienced a teacher training before, they are intense. You may think our days are spent doing yoga, eating healthy, sleep, repeat. Well, you are pretty much right. There is a tiny bit more to it than that though. In training we dive deep into big discussions, we open up old scars, we break physical and emotional patterns, and we share this intense experience with our fellow trainees.
Through the training Sarah and I shared about some of the biggest moments and struggles in each other's lives. I learned about the many personal battles she faced and have watched as she becomes more and more at home within her self. Listen here as we discuss self acceptance and yoga.
Here is a link to her blog post as promised: the trying journey of self love
elena x
PS- quite a few of the photos on my site were taken by her, just in case you were looking for a photographer...
Jim Carrey delivered a commencement speech at Maharishi University of Management in 2014. As expected of a comedian his speech got a lot of laughs. What may not have been expected, is the wisdom he shared with the graduates. This video is an abridged version of his speech. If after watching it you want to know the full text go here
Otherwise just have a listen and soak up some Monday inspiration.
For many of us, the holiday season is in full force. You may be rushing around doing your best to get everything done, making food, buying presents, cleaning your home for your loved ones. I am sure that by December 26th you could use a little time for YOU. Check the lovely catalyst podcast this month for a class focused on self-love. Not a yogi and the phrase "self-love" makes you giggle like a 13 year old boy? Well, me too! Seriously though, get your head out of the gutter, it's not that kind of class!
elena x
There are many ways we can feel unworthy. We may think we aren't smart enough, aren't strong enough, aren't attractive enough, aren't tough enough, aren't thin enough. EVERYONE feels unworthy at some point in their life. I'm not sure if that is a sad or reassuring truth.
Body issues are a major part of these negative feelings. We can equate our appearance with our worth. When we are judging our appearance against some modified ideal it can feel impossible to ever be good enough. It takes a lot of self awareness, reflection and strength to face these struggles and take them on.
Meet yoga teacher Dana Falsetti, and check out her story on feeling worthy:
Check back next week as I speak with inspiring teacher, photographer, and friend Sarah Alice Lee on the lovely catalyst podcast.
elena x
For my birthday I can't think of anything more fitting than sharing this bonus video featuring one of my most used authors for quote of the day posts, Alan Watts. He was a 20th century British philosopher, writer, and speaker. Watts had a beautiful way of expressing his insights and wisdom. I love that this video uses a recording of his voice, lending to it a rich old-recording sound. I particularly enjoy how the urgent pace of his speech contrasts his message about the importance of slowing down and living now.
No valid plans for the future can be made by those who have no capacity for living now.
Remember to focus on the things that matter, instead of the things that don't. Back to your regularly scheduled programming next week!
elena x
This week's practice is inspired by dance, gratitude, and travel. It's an ALL levels practice, which means you can make it easier, harder, or just do exactly as it's cued. I hope you enjoy it!
This class' playlist:
Many Roads by Trevor Hall
England by Jonathan Stark
Stockholm by Brian McSweeney
Alone Again (Naturally) by Gilbert O'Sullivan
Coming Home by Leon Bridges
Changes by David Bowie
Back to Where I Was by Eric Hutchinson
Barcelona by George Ezra
Stand by Me by Ben E. King
Tired of Being Alone by Al Green
Something by The Beatles
Somewhere Only We Know by Keane
Hometown Glory by Adele
Keep Your Head Up by Ben Howard
No One Here by The 88
Across the Universe by Rufus Wainwright
Spiegel im Spiegel by Arvo Pårt
elena x
P.S. tomorrow you get to hear the gorgeously classic voice of Alan Watts sharing his wisdom.
Ever dream of leaving your job and traveling the world? Do you wish you could do more to make a difference in other people's lives? Do you think that sounds nice but probably impossible to do? Well, meet Sarah Beaumont, after 12 years working in finance in Manhattan she sold and donated all of her belongings, packed a bag and set off around the world. Ten months and 15 countries later we caught up over a dodgy internet cafe connection in Morocco to share her story. Enjoy!
Links as promised:
www.grassrootsvolunteering.org blog that inspired Sarah
www.charitywater.org organisation Sarah worked with in NYC
www.hands.org disaster relief organisation
and alignyour.com the company Sarah has begun working with
If you haven't already disappeared to some wonderful Wi-Fi free destination by next week then check out the lovely catalyst podcast for a wanderlust-worthy practice.
elena x
I think I have an illness. It's called Wanderlust. Any other sufferers out there? I caught it at the age of 13 when I first left the US and visited Italy. I've had it ever since. My symptoms include: an inexplicable love of airports, an inability to go more than two years without a trip to England, a love of immersing myself in new cultures, and a bizarre pride in things like only using a tiny Ryanair approved carry on bag for a 6 week trip.
While living in San Diego, I was feeling restless. I had only left the country twice since moving to SoCal and both times were only for 72 hours. I needed to travel, and I needed it soon. While saving my pennies and contemplating my next adventure I found this trio of short films. Their description reads:
"3 guys, 44 days, 11 countries, 18 flights, 38 thousand miles, an exploding volcano, 2 cameras and almost a terabyte of footage... all to turn 3 ambitious linear concepts based on movement, learning and food ....into 3 beautiful and hopefully compelling short films.....
= a trip of a lifetime.
move, eat, learn"
I can't tell if they lessened or heightened my wanderlust symptoms, either way I love them.
MOVE
EAT
LEARN
My wanderlust means I'm on a plane moving across the ocean today. Check back next week for a chat on the lovely catalyst podcast about solo travel, risk taking and giving back!
elena x
This month is about travel, adventure, and taking action. It's about recognizing what you want and going for it. About honoring what is in your heart and pursuing it. It's about making your time on this planet count.
This is it. Right now. This is your life. It is an absolutely certainty that we will all die. Whether or not we really live is yet to be determined.
This video was shared lots last year so you may have already seen it. Whether you have or not it has a beautiful message and an important reminder that is worth taking a few minutes out of your day to watch.
Tune in to the lovely catalyst podcast this month to hear from Sarah Beaumont. She left all that was familiar and comfortable in favour of an adventure around the world. Check back to hear all about it.
elena x
Restorative yoga is a lovely, passive practice. It is ideal for stress relief, to ease tension in the body and can even increase flexibility. For this practice we use props to support the body. At a studio you would use bolsters and blankets. For you to follow along at home I've adapted the poses to use normal household items for props.
Here are the props you will need: 1 yoga mat, 1 chair/sofa, 2 rectangular pillows, 3 towels of similar size.
Here are the postures and their set ups:
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I hope you enjoy!
elena x
After 6 months abroad, I was getting ready to return to America. I was out having a great send off with a fellow American when we began talking politics. He is a naval officer, and I'm obviously a bit of a liberal, bleeding heart, hippie, yoga teacher, so one would not expect this topic to go well. Surprisingly, we had very similar views; we covered the elections, healthcare, gun control... I know what you are thinking: "great conversations over a bottle of wine", but it was! He then asked me if I had watched Newsroom, which I hadn't. So it was decided; the rest of the bottle was coming with us. We walked across the Thames, sat on a bench facing Parliament, huddled around his phone and watched this powerful opening scene of Newsroom:
Until next week,
elena x
I don't know about you but it has been quite a month! Lots of change, a healthy dose of stress, never mind all the hate getting thrown around in the news. After talking to many friends and students I've got the feeling I'm not alone. At times like this it is massively important to take good care of yourself- whatever that means for you. Meditation, bubble baths, friend time, pizza, movies, ice cream, a long run, extra sleep, yoga... whatever fills you back up and makes you feel happy, it's times like these that you need to make you a priority.
If you are like me you may find meditation or taking time to get real rest difficult. For this bonus episode I have decided to share a yoga nidra practice. Yoga what now? Yoga nidra. It's sometimes called "yogic sleep," sounds good right?
The amazing thing about this type of yoga is that it works for everybody. There is zero physical effort (unless lying still is an effort). There is no need to think, just listen. There is literally nothing you need to do but lay down, close your eyes, and listen.
Yoga nidra can be used daily to develop a meditation practice, it can be used at night to help you get to sleep, it can ease stress or anxiety, and it can also be used when healing from illness or even trauma.
Grab your mat, dim the lights, and hit play.
Guided script for class 'Yoga Nidra 2' page 90 of the book 'Yoga Nidra' by Swami Satayananda Saraswati
Background music 'Deep Peace' by Todd Norian
Apologies for my slightly raspy throat, autumn is definitely upon us! Check back on Monday for the restorative class as promised.
elena x
When you think of "Politician" what words come to mind? I often think of words like: lies, manipulation, hopeless, self-interest, power hungry, slander, media, finance, inaction, shut down, bullying, extremism... but that's just me. I do know that I've acquired those associations over years of watching in disbelief as politicians continue valuing power and re-election over actually doing their job. I mean, why are we electing them in the first place? Is it because they had the most money to make appealing ads for themselves and slanderous ones for their opponent? Or, is it because they seem to be "the lesser of two evils?" Or do we just vote straight down party lines without ever taking the time to research their views, actions, and accomplishments? Unfortunately, I think many of us vote for candidates based on a combination of those or similar reasons.
Whenever I feel inspired to take a stand, to speak up, to point out the problems with our political system I am barraged with comments such as: "That's just how it is," "that's politics," "they have to do what they have to do to get re-elected." Well, you know what? Personally, I'm tired of electing or re-electing people who are not actually doing their job. The trouble is, in our society, getting elected is what they see as their job. That takes precedence over actually passing meaningful legislation in the service of helping and protecting their constituents. I don't know how we've gotten to this point, but the first step in solving a problem is admitting you have one. Here in the US, we have a problem. We've come to have very low expectations from our politicians, we've come to accept status quo, we've lost hope and faith in our politicians. If you didn't listen to last week's podcast, please do. I think it's vastly important for us to hear from politicians who see themselves as public servants and do their duty with integrity as Councillor Satvir Kaur does.
This week's video is one part of a three part series John Oliver did on the Daily Show about gun control after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. If you know me then you know my feelings on guns and gun control. I'm not sharing this video to make a case one way or the other. I'm sharing this video to show that there are politicians in the world who take a stand for their people and who risk their political careers to make a meaningful difference in their constituents' lives. Please watch this. Hopefully someday when we think of "Politicians" the words that come to mind will be: service, support, interests of the people, betterment of society, advancement, action, agreement, progress, activism.
I know it's a volatile time politically: lots of emotions have been stirred up and many of us are reeling with anxiety over how things are going to turn out. This month's yoga class will therefore be a restorative yoga practice; an opportunity for you to quiet your mind, rest your body and hopefully feel a little peace in the midst of this tumultuous time. Check back on Monday for episode 4 of the lovely catalyst podcast.
elena x
I have a funny trait, you may have heard of it, it's called "Resting Happy Face." That's right, to the unobserved eye people with RHF seem to always be happy. Some may wonder how and why we are always happy, others may find it irritating. I used to apologise at work when I'd been very cranky and stressed out only to have my boss and coworkers laugh off my apology and exclaim "Elena, your 'cranky' is our normal happy attitude!"
What's my point here you may ask? What on earth does a constant smile have to do with politics? Well, I'm explaining this strange and sunny disposition of mine because there are a few things that truly make it vanish instantly. For those who have met me, you may struggle to imagine it. For those who know me well enough, you've seen when that smile goes away. Here are the things most likely to break my RHF (and not necessarily in this order):
• my hormones
• seeing acts of hatred and violence
• politicians
Yup, politicians are on my shortlist. Hearing their mud slinging ads, reading about their behaviour in the papers, researching their records on what they've accomplished, hearing them say one thing when we've got videos of them saying the exact opposite. These things make me livid. Politicians are one of the top things that make me cynical and want to give up hope for the future. They are, after all, the ones whose decisions and actions have the biggest and most direct impact on the world. They are the people who we need to be able to trust. We need them to be leaders, not power seekers. We need them to fight for our best interests, not theirs. We need them to act with integrity, not dishonesty.
At those times when I feel most hopeless about the state of politicians in our world I thankfully remember my friend Satvir Kaur. I had known her for several years before she became a politician. I know her as a human, I know her values, I've witnessed her courage and integrity, and I am thankful that she faces the challenges of a political life with authenticity. She is human, she has weaknesses, and she isn't always perfect, but she is honest and she does fight for what she believes in. Knowing her and watching her career unfold gives me hope in what is possible for the world.
In this episode we talk about how she came to be a politician, what she hopes to accomplish, and the struggles and triumphs she faces on a regular basis. I hope you enjoy:
elena x
I'm going to be honest, I'm scared right now. I'm scared to talk politics because that tends to be an instantly divisive topic. There is something I'm more scared of though, and that is actions coming from hate, fear, and ignorance. So here is me choosing to act rather than to be silenced by fear.
Just to be clear I am not going to share my political opinions here. My views may be obvious nonetheless, but it is not my intention to convince you of who to vote for or what to think. In my experience that serves no purpose. We all have different perspectives, different lives, different upbringings, different reactions and responses to the world around us, and that is wonderful. I embrace the power and beauty of what makes us different. Why should I try to convince you to agree with my perspectives? I don't believe that works, nor do I believe that is right to do. Your opinions and your actions are entirely up to you.
What I do want to do this month is encourage us all to think and take our responsibility as voters seriously. I'm going to be using comedians and brilliantly performed scripts to share powerful and important ideas to open up a conversation of hope, and possibility here. They will say harsh and sometimes inappropriate things, some of them are extremely obvious in their view points. I am choosing to share these pieces because they contain important truths for all of us to listen to. As we face a huge decision next month I hope that these messages will inspire you to act from love over hate, conviction over fear, and knowledge over ignorance.
Here is comedian Jim Jefferies, he often says inappropriate things, and is unabashedly liberal. I am sharing this part of his act because he gets very real and serious for a moment discussing the dynamics at play between love and hate. The only thing that can beat hate is love:
Next week check back for the lovely catalyst podcast where I chat with my favourite politician in the world, an inspiring woman named Satvir Kaur.
elena x
I have developed a terrible habit of moving thousands of miles at a time. When I began teaching in San Diego, my east coast friends wanted to take my yoga classes and requested I teach them via Skype. When I moved from San Diego to London, England my California students asked me to make them homemade yoga videos so they could still practice with me. As I left London to stay in Louisville, KY my flatmates requested I make them yoga podcasts to keep their practices going.
I think it may be time for me to finally share my classes long distance, so here goes! Each month I will upload a new yoga practice here on the lovely catalyst podcast. The first class is a heart-opening flow inspired by the stories shared this month.
Enjoy and please send me feedback and requests at elena@thelovelycatalyst.com
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seated with soles of the feet touching
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tigers pose
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warrior 1
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interlace fingers behind you, peel heart open
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humble warrior
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side plank
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wild thing
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warrior 2
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straight legs, hands at heart center
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triangle
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half moon
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reverse warrior
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bend knee open hip
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half pigeon (standing tall on finger tips)
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half pigeon (melting forward)
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reclining butterfly
If you like any of the songs from this month's practice, here is the playlist from the class in order:
Come Together Slow (feat. Marti Nikko) by DJ Drez
Follow the Sun by Xavier Rudd
Alaska by Maggie Rogers
Om Shakti Om by Trevor Hall
Come and Get Your Love by Redbone
Under the Blanket by Trevor Hall
Leaving It Up to You by George Ezra
Te Amo by Trevor Hall
Love'll Set Me Free by Michael Franti
The Scientist cover by Natasha Bedingfield (I think... I need to shazam that one!)
Into My Arms by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Mid Air by Paul Buchanan
Shanti (Peace Out) by MC Yogi
See you in October!
elena x
Kim with her boys in India
It's finally here! Each month I will be chatting with someone who embodies being a catalyst in his or her community. After a lot of excitement, nerves and work I'm so happy to share the story of my friend Kim Bauman and her organization: The One Love Movement.
Kim, like many of us, was searching for her purpose. She wanted to find a way to do more, and give to others. An experience in an impoverished orphanage in Haiti had a profound impact on her, having been an orphan in Korea herself. Listen to hear the process of how she took that experience, discovered her purpose, created the One Love Movement and is hard at work supporting underserved youth in the US and India.
The annual 2016 event is this Saturday, September 24th at the Waterfront Park in San Diego, gates open at 9am. If you will be in the area and want tickets go here. If you can't attend but you would like to donate to The One Love Movement and help them reach their 2016 goal of $30,000 then just click here.
elena x
Large group selfie after the 2015 One Love annual event
Kim with a few of her boys on the night of their big KFC adventure
Check out this video about an amazing little girl who helps homeless women. Wherever you live, chances are you will face people who are homeless. Many people avoid eye contact for fear of being asked for money, others decide not to give money because they've been taught "they'll just use the money for drugs or drink". Perhaps you do help already; maybe you buy them a water, or some food; maybe you take a few minutes to speak to them or take them for a coffee; maybe you just do the simple act of making eye contact, smiling, and really saying hello. Whatever your knee jerk response to homelessness is, I think it's safe to say we all can learn a lot from this incredible little girl.
September's inspiring guest is Kim Bauman, founder of The One Love Movement, who speaks with me about her passion for supporting underserved youth. Fighting allergies, my amazing nephews arrival and a weekend with a dear friend from the UK has put me a bit behind on launching the first episode of the lovely catalyst podcast, so please stay tuned for it to go live today! Up next Monday is a heart-opening yoga practice on the lovely catalyst podcast led by yours truly.
elena x
I stumbled on this video while sitting in a coffee shop. I thought, "this looks like a simple and sweet message" and by the 1:51 mark I was crying. Turns out this gorgeous and powerful little video was an ad for Thai Life Insurance! The fact that it is an ad does not lessen the power of the message or the beauty in how it is expressed. Give it a watch:
I love the simple acts of the man it follows. Each gesture is small, and yet the impact on his life and those around him is huge. We don't have to be celebrities, leaders, or millionaires to make a difference. It's those little actions that add up over and over to create a ripple effect of positive change.
Next week I'll be chatting to one woman who is a big deal in my eyes, though you may not have heard of her yet. She is someone who saw a need and stepped up to the challenge. Check back here next week to hear her story.
elena x
This blog has been a long time coming. For over a year, my friends and colleagues have been encouraging me to write a blog; to share stories of solo travel, pursuing big goals, and the crazy adventures I get up to. Try as I might, it just never felt right. I'd sit down to write and just stare at the empty page. I kept thinking, "who am I to write about anything?" "What do I have to share that is important?" Trust me, in person I love sharing stories. In person I have no problems expressing thoughts and ideas. When it comes to writing, well, let's just say it is not my medium.
There is something I have wanted to share for a long time. As long as I can remember, I would hear about problems in the world, passionately want to help, and easily feel overwhelmed and defeated. I would think to myself "I'm just one person, what can I do?" Lately I've started to believe that in fact, one person can and does make a difference. We all have the ability. We don't have to be those world famous leaders and fighters (who, by the way, were normal people too). We have to make a choice, take actions. Bit by bit, we do our share, and in doing so we are part of the solution. Perhaps, if we are very lucky, those actions will inspire others, and BAM, more people are fighting for solutions and we have made a difference.
I have daydreamed about a platform to share the people, ideas, and actions that inspire me. Stories that are powerful. People who prove that we each have the ability to make a difference. Today marks the start of that platform. This will be my space to share the stories of people who are catalysts in their communities, and affecting change in the world. Each week this space will have a new video, story, interview, or yoga class to share with you.
Check back on Monday for the first hit of weekly inspiration.
elena x
footnote
Often moving back and forth between the US and the UK has left my accent and spelling a bit confused, to say the least. In blog posts I may spell the same word differently, example: US "practice," "center," "color," vs. UK "practise," "centre," "colour," So if it looks not quite right, hopefully I just went British or American all of the sudden. There's still a good chance I've made a typo- but please give this transatlantically-confused person the benefit of the doubt. As for the audio recordings, depending on who I'm speaking to and which side of the ocean I'm on my accent may get a bit "Amer-itish"
Oh, and in case you didn't know, the "x" after my name is the UK equivalent to "xo" ;-)
watch the flow on instagram
breathe
smile
go!
chair pose
vinyasa
extend right leg, open hip
three limbed dog to tigers pose
extend right leg
step right foot forward
warrior 1
warrior 2
extended side angle
reverse warrior
warrior 2
triangle
warrior 2
high crescent
warrior 3
pyramid pose
revolved triangle
chair pose
repeat on second side
have an awesome weekend