This week, I invite you to use the FWFG motto to meditate on what it is that is truly calling your name. I invite you to notice how the practice of FWFG inspires you to be yourself on the mat and how that can potentially lead to you learning new truths about yourself.
When was a moment where you listened to your body today?
When was there a moment where you felt totally YOU?
How does your practice guide you to your deeper quest for purpose?
What is your favorite thing to eat?
🙂
This is an open forum to discuss ideas that are in my letter this week.
Chime in when you have a chance or read from the sidelines. I will also include some comments about how my yoga practice continues to serve me in my career and in feeling like I have a place in the cosmos. I know this channel is a remarkable example in itself and I love how everyone is welcomed, encouraged by others and reminded that you are perfectly where you are supposed to be.
So, take the shammy cloth out and clean the lens. What is your reason? How can you use the tools of yoga – and this channel’s motto to focus on yourself this week? It is my true belief that by focusing (and refocusing) on ourselves and our unique essence – we become more near and more dear to our dharma, our duty and our purpose!
I felt like a challenge today so I did a new (non-yoga) video. It was a challenge but only 15 minutes. So I finished it off with your yoga flow vinyasa practice and felt great! Now my arms are sore but I feel awake and alive (my coffee might be helping with that too).
I'm trying to focus on just being me and not trying to be someone I'm not. Limiting my time on FaceBook is helping with that.
My favorite food is pizza (but I couldn't choose a favorite kind!) and Champagne!
I read this earlier this today it it helped me this morning. I finally treated myself to some coffee and slipped away (with JUST enough time) to a class. Limiting FB time is big for me. Also, I love pizza. Thanks for sharing and being silly with me. To crafting the art of self love! Namaste Laurie!
Hi Adriene,
this is Amy from NYC... huge fan of yours!
I have been doing a yoga session with your videos everyday, never get bored and just love your genuine energy and positivity 🙂
I would love to see a hip opening series in the future.. as you know new york IS the most stressful city to live in, all the stress builds up in the hip!
hope you are doing well, and love your site!
best,
Amy
Hello Adriene,
I've discovered your blog a month ago and I really appreciate the videos, the topics and your great sense of humour.
Just wanted to say thanck you for all the good vibes you email us weekly.
I really like this weeks picture also, your look radiant.
Have a lovely day
Thanks right back to you my friend. May we encourage each other to enjoy the journey and be our best and most radiant! x
Adriene, I can't thank you enough for the time, energy and thoughtfulness you give for your students.
I am 49 and have always felt like I had to "push harder" through any exercise to the point of guilt if I didn't go far enough, or do it long enough.
I've had scoliosis since the age of 14. It was then that I was told about my (doctor's words) "deformity". What a blow to an adolescent's psyche.
Over the course of years, I also developed arthritis in my knees, and can no longer run after my surgery in both knees last year. The doctor told me the worst thing I could do would be to gain weight. Sure, take away my running and endorphins and tell me not to gain weight? Right!!
I stumbled across your videos about 3-4 weeks ago and haven't looked back. You ahem empowered me to see my body as something other than a deformity. I'm slowly getting stronger and enjoying the endorphins that come along with being gentle to myself. Who knew??
For the last 3 days I have been able to do your videos on the balcony overlooking the ocean while on vacation. What a sweet combo.
Thank you for all you do. You make a difference!
Oh my goodness Karen.... AWESOME! Way to flip the coin my friend. It is so hard too - when we have such a rich history of thinking of something a certain way. Our body and our thoughts are so connected. I am so honored to read this - thank you for sharing. Enjoy that yoga on the balcony and take joy wherever you go!
Keep me posted too if you like. I am doing a lot of research now on the spine and I always love to hear stories and feedback.
xoo
I would love a sequence that focused on the spine! Perhaps to loosen and create more space from top to bottom.
While I may not have a severe case as Miss Karen, my chiropractor diagnosed me with an "anomaly" of a spine and continual core strengthening, yoga and good ol' stretching really are the only things that help keep it calm.
Hi A and Everyone! I have again come back to understanding the most essential thing, which you mentioned, A, just a few weeks ago... the practice. I have made an intention and commitment to meeting on the mat now every morning at 7. No matter what. And already just knowing I have that appointment I FEEL different. I mostly do your gentle morning yoga, though I look forward to switching it up with some of your other videos now:)
I love to eat just about anything non animal... but my most magic food really is tahini. I fell deeply in love with it the moment I tasted it 35 years ago! One of the most magic ways to have it is on scrambled tofu and veggies. I do still eat cheese, always organic. And eggs, same. So I will make a great mix of eggs and tofu and peppers, onions, zucchini and cheese and then cover it in tahini.... OMG!
It's like Yoga for your insides.
P.S. I can get very lost and sometimes don't even know where a certain not contentedness is coming from... so I am trying to focus on your FWFG and be steadfast about it because it does feel more like ME gets through when I am proactive and of course Yoga is SO key... and your guidance is truly priceless.
Thank you!!!
Hi Everyone!
I was reading a passage in Miguel Ruiz's The Four Agreements yesterday. This is a book I had for a decade that I read went I need it. He wrote something that really resonate to me right now:
«The best way to be grateful to what you are and have in life is to always do your best. And your best will be different every day»
To me it's like Adriene's FWFG motto, It allows me to do my best and to be fully present in my practice.
To you all, love and smiles.
Julia
Oups, sorry for the mistakes, I'm french.
Yoga with your guide surely helps me glow from inside out, because, like you said, "the body and breath simply cannot lie" ! So I wanted to thank you for your great work, and also share with the YWA community the article related to this weeks topic: "The Art of Being Mindful" by Kate Pickert, TIME Feb 2014 http://time.com/1556/the-mindful-revolution/#ixzz2sSbdVAPh
Namaste!
Hi everyone,
Today's newsletter was exactly what I needed.
I am currently writing my MA thesis and have been struggling with focus and my very powerful inner sloth for weeks and weeks. Since I choose to extend my usual yoga practice to 3 or more sessions a week, I finally managed to get back to writing and found the concentration I need.
Thank you, Adriene, for the wonderful videos, I always enjoy watching them <3
Have a great day 🙂
Yours,
Nat
Today I felt that I needed something challenging. I've just had a bigger break from all kind of exercise, but now I can hear my body yelling at me, "you are about to loose all your strength!" So today was the day to reconnect and find out which level I'm on now. What a surprise, I couldn't even make a couple of push ups, and I just collapsed while making the walking plank. But I smiled, yelled and went through the whole workout. And decided that it's okay to be where I am right now. That was today's moment of being ME. 🙂
Big hugs from Sweden
Today I listened to my body when I ate too much of my favourite food, which is food. Felt like a sinking ship in downward dog.
On a more uplifting note, in the last two months my mind has done some expanding as well and I feel like I'm slowly coming home to myself. After recently discovering yoga I decided to quit smoking and It feels like I'm waking up from a deep sleep. The practice of yoga has made me want to be more mindful and concious about everything in my life. Also discovered the UK has a planet organic (which we don't have in South Africa) and I find myself drinking kale juices and liking them, which is strange.
It's wonderful and challenging all at once and I've gone from wanting to flee the mat after 10 minutes to enjoying the practice ...but still clock watching. Being present is a crazy challenge but yoga is helping me lengthen my periods of presentness.
I'm also happy Ive discovered your videos because they make me laugh on the days I find it really hard. Thanks 🙂
Today I listened to my body when I did a quick yoga session before heading to my internship! I've been trying to get back into the swing of yoga and listen to myself more emotionally and physically. Tree pose is really helping with this. It takes so much effort to just be still in tree pose, I love the way it makes me really pay attention to what is going on.
Last week I felt totally me when I went to my senior seminar class wearing some crazy, striped yoga pants and a sweater with a cat face on it. I felt so good in my clothes that I didn't care at all if other people thought I was silly for wearing it to class 🙂
I don't think my practice guides me to a big purpose, it really just helps me slow down and understand myself. That's something I've been really working on lately, taking time to understand myself and see what I need instead of just cruising through my busy schedule and not paying attention to what I need emotionally.
My favorite thing to eat is chocolate! Any and all types of chocolate help me through any and all types of days 🙂
Hi Adriene and everyone!
This week's newsletter really moved me, I just received the e-mail in my phone while I was making some lesson plans, I started reading it and I couldn't stop.
I'm a 26 year-old Argentinian who about three years ago decided to look for what feels good, to look for what makes my heart beat, and having spent 6 years of my life working in an office and studying to be an accountant I decided to give up and started to study to be a teacher, an English teacher. I was that kind of person that needed to be pushed to do things. I used to think that if nobody pushed me, I’d never achieve anything, until I change, until I started to listen to my body and soul that were screaming inside me, I used to get sick a lot, several flues per year, gastroenteritis, migraines, panic attacks, and problems with my thyroid, but not anymore. Now I feel totally me when I’m in the classroom.
Maybe, that woman at the studio just needs to listen more carefully.
I've found your blog and your videos about a month ago while searching for some stretching exercises for my backache (I spent a lot of hours studying =(, and I can tell you, I feel REALLY good, and I'm not just talking about my back. I start my day differently. I want to thank you for your videos, your instructions and your coolness, I laugh a lot practising yoga with you and I love it.
And I love Italian food 😛
Carla.
I discovered your yoga page about 2 or 3 months ago and I LOVE it!! I was never able to push myself when it came to working out because I would always stop when I felt uncomfortable. then I would go home mad at myself and not satisfied. once I started using your videos for my own home practice I looked forward to working out. I would get a workout when it just felt like a good strech. I jumped into yoga with both feet in and now I am HOOKED. I am more in tune to my body and mind and I have nobody to thank but you!! this has really changed my life and God bless you for that. also my favorite food is spaghetti (go Italians!)
Hey Adrienne!
I discovered yoga and eventually this community as a therapy for my body, which was totally uncooperative and painful most of the time.Today, my body was sore and stiff again, so my practice was all about acceptance, awareness and love for my body. That is how I listen to my body now, that is how I feel me everyday. Yoga brought less pain and with it I discovered that I could love my body. Acknowledging my limits gave me the opportunity to build new strength in a full mind-body experience. The focus in yoga comes for me in its omnipresent ritual in my day-to-day life: it brings peace when I feel weak and challenges when I feel strong. I find acceptance for all that I am in yoga.
Thank you for being part of that awesome journey I have embarked on. It is leading straight to myself and that is truly what feels good.
Namaste
Today was the first day of a writing course I signed up for. I went to work, came home, practiced yoga outside on my deck, and then came inside to focus on the day's writing assignment. I felt so good. I felt so like me. It was awesome. <3
HI Adriene 🙂
I am so glad with your newsletter, it has really helped me in my yoga practice. Last week I tried a new yoga class nearby and had a poor experience. I have been doing yoga for 2 years now- in classes and using your fabbbby videos- but due to physical injuries i struggle a lot. The teacher was very poor and left me feeling so disheartened and with my practice. Your have inspired me to realise that it is MY yoga practice and I need to FIND WHAT FEELS GOOD for me. Thank you 😉
Today when i listened to my body, it told me to go for a walk at lunch time, to relieve pain and tension in my hips-which totally worked!
I felt totally myself today, on my mat when I fell out of half-moon. I couldn't stop laughing and smiling. It was the mental release that I've been needing for days- to stop being so hard on myself and be comfortable with being less than perfect.
My practice teaches me self-acceptance, which ultimately helps me on my way to knowing myself fully, as well as loving every new thing I discober about who I really am.
My favourite food is an avocado and cocoa smoothie, which I have most days for breakfast. A great way to start the day, with something both nutritious and cheering.
Peace to everyone out there!
I think that's why I love your videos, most are not your continuous movement power yoga sequences that you get in a class. They are slower and really allow you to focus and learn about your body. Despite having practiced yoga for over 10 years now, I'm actually watching your yoga basic videos and relearning the poses. It brings a deeper understanding to my practice and my body.
Practicing yoga makes me feel like ME! My husband and a few of our good friends are runners, ultrarunners even, and I thought I could be a runner too. I tried and even had an idea that I'd run a half marathon one day, but it turns out that I'm not a runner and I'm ok with that now. I rekindled my passion for yoga this past summer and it was like an "Ah-ha!" moment. THIS is what I like to do. THIS is what I do to keep active. They run and I yoga: ) In fact, my goal is to teach yoga one day. I think it would be fun to teach kids yoga!
And I LOVE to eat Dark Chocolate: )
The best thing I did today was practicing my breathing through out my day. And taking the day off for It's an holiday right now.
It helps me find myself and stay balanced.
♥
I recently turned to yoga after discovering YWA, and it is transforming my life. About 16 months ago I turned everything around, going from a cheese-steak eating couch potato to a vegan on a health mission. I've lost about 80 pounds and feel better than I have since I was 25 (I'm 51 now).
I take private yoga lessons, attend two classes per week, and practice almost every morning at home (thanks again Adriene!) And I am going on a 5 day yoga retreat in November!
Today, I took a day off work to hike through the woods and enjoy life.
My favorite food has evolved from pizza to kale and quinoa. Who is this guy?
I've had a pretty hectic work week and could feel the pent up energy and stresses starting to wear me down physically, mentally and emotionally today. So when I got home I made it a point to quiet my spirit (is that weird?) and practice with the yoga for strength and focus sequence. I've gotta tell you, I feel restored and it feels good. Thanks for the great practice!
Adriene,
I just have to say, I found your website a week ago while traveling in the Badlands with my Aunt. I was dealing with some pretty severe stomach/acid reflux/heartburn issues. Your video saved me.
I am a dedicated and motivated yoga teacher always looking for new things to present to my students, and to add into my teaching style...the video you did on acid reflux was life changing, and I learned so much more (which I believe I somehow already knew, just couldn't discover it yet).
I have been trying your videos out for the past week and it has brought a great feeling into my practice. I've noticed my home practice has dived into a complete exploration. So very grateful for your presence online.
I hope we cross paths someday! It's tough to find the right teacher, especially in places that are smaller..like good old Wisconsin. 🙂
So much PeaceLove&Gratitude sent your way,
Justine
Finding what feels good has been a wonderful journey for me since I first discovered your channel earlier this year. I went through a period of several years where I felt lost, and despite making some big changes in my life, I felt no closer to my direction, my dharma. It has been a revelation to practice letting go of self doubt and trusting what feels good - its sometimes as if I'm learning about a new person!
Over the last week my mantra has been "I am grateful for who I am" - I focus on it any time I'm not feeling good enough, and it has been having a steadily transformative effect. I am more playful and loving in my interactions with others. I worry less about my imperfections (BIG progress for me!!) I'm enjoying life more. I feel lighter and more confident, and more ME than I have in a long time.
I love how your practices encourage us to find our own way on the mat - to jam with asanas to find what works for us personally. I now take time out here and there throughout the day to listen to my body and find a little more balance in my feet, a little length in my spine, or a little more openness in my heart.
So today I listened to my body by taking time to experiment and adjust my posture at intervals throughout my day. I felt totally me walking though my beautiful neighbourhood in the sunshine after the school run. My practice guides me by inviting me to slow down and be accepting of myself and where I am at right now. And my favourite things to eat are aubergines and chocolate (not at the same time!)
Thanks for being so inspiring.
Namaste,
Jenny
Thank you Adriene,
I’ve been following and watching your videos for over 1 year now, and finally made it to your website 🙂 Just wanted to take the time to thank you for sharing your practice! Every video makes me smile and love yoga even more! I am enrolled in my Yoga Teacher Training and I look to you for inspiration! You definitely light up my life and many others as I see on this site!!!
Namaste,
Rachel
I'm not on any social media so I can't find any other way to contact you; I'm trying here! I love your Freedom Flow videos and I was excited to find that a new one was released (late, I know, but I've been away without internet all summer!), although on youtube I am told it's not available in my country (the UK). Do you know why/if there is any way I can see it? My computer is quite old so Hola unblock and similar programmes/plugins don't work. Thank you for being you!
Celine, that's quite strange -- I'm in the UK and I can see the new Freedom Flow video without any fiddling. 🙁
The first one works very well - but the new one (Freedom Flow 2 on the youtube channel) doesn't do it for me. Weird, but there are still many other good ones to enjoy! 🙂
Today I was simmering potatoes on the stove when I felt this urge to sit down on the floor and breathe. I gave in and lined up my spine and the back of my head against the refrigerator door with my feet in cobbler's pose and spent five luscious minutes breathing in and out. It was my favorite moment today... spontaneous and lovely!
Wendy! This has made my day. Yes, why not? Give in to that intuition and that moment quickly becomes the favorite moment of the day, huh? This is inspiring. Thank you!
Love,
A
Hey Adriene I want to start this off by saying YOURE AMAZING! I'm pretty new to yoga (about three months of 5-7 days of practice a week) and of all the yoga videos I've come across you're by far my favorite!
You're always so open, flowing with positivity and embrace who you are, Its really helped me to bring more of myself and my personality to my practice. It's been really great!
I was wondering if you had any tips for really embracing savasana and de-cluttering the mind? I'm a senior in college who works 35 hours a week on top of classes full time, so yoga is my outlet but sometimes it's just tough to release all the stress and just be in the moment, ya know? Really any tips would be great!
Sending you nothing but positivity~~~
PS my 21st birthday was recently and your hangover yoga SAVED ME thank youuuu
Adriene!
I am an beginning and so happy to have this new journey experience with you. You are so inspiring and free spirited. I hope to attend one of your classes one day bc I'm only an hour away from Austin! So crazy to know you are so close! Thank you again for your instructions. I hope I can gain progress everyday, it seems so hard to reach but it does take practice and I'm starting somewhere. I am currently practicing the bakasana pose and boy it is challenging. But I have made a slight progress. Thank you again <3
Beginner*
Adriene can you please tell me where I can find those yoga pants? please please I am obsessed and want them so bad????
Yes! Onzie apparel! xoxo
Hello yoga people! I am an absolute beginner to the yoga world. I have tried Adriene's fabulous beginner yoga videos and have enjoyed them very much and really appreciate Adriene's joyful approach. You rock Adriene! However, I have had back problems over the years (I am an old lady at nearly 50!) and every time I've done one of the videos my lower back hurts. Am I doing something wrong? I've heard conflicting advice about whether yoga is good or not for back problems. I really want to pursue my yoga journey but I fear that I'll end up doing more damage to my back. Any advice? Many thanks in advance. x
I recently heard about facial yoga and it really appealed to me. I like to think of myself as a bit of a yogi, because for about three months two years ago I did it EVERY SINGLE DAY. http://www.vedshastra.com
Hi Adriene!!! I'm now on day 22 of your 30 day yoga program and I love it. I'm so happy that I "stumbled" upon your YOGA videos. You really understand your yoga audience as I am a beginner and your instructions are for all levels period That's greatly appreciated. I just wanted to let you know I really look for daily to your yoga sessions and more importantly your sense of humor about being human. I find myself sometimes laughing out loud at some of the things that you're saying that's right on time. Keep up the great work and thank you for allowing yoga to be for all ages. You make me feel young. Thank you and have a great day.