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February Essential Oils for Cheer

2/5/2018

2 Comments

 
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Here are some oils I use to get me through this part of Winter. In Minnesota it has been mostly below zero since before Christmas. If it is sunny outside, then it means it's even colder. The chances of getting much sunshine are slim to none.

I made an essential oil + crystal grid this morning focused around my February Bullet Journal Spread and center Sunstone.

I've encircled this month with sunny vibes and cheerful crystals. I've even added Vitamin D Gummies to this grid to ensure maximum sunshine and joy absorption. 
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In the center is my February Bullet Journal spread and my Sunstone. Citrine and Rose Quartz point towards the center to charge up my sunny intentions for a happy and cheerful month ahead.

Creating a crystal grid helps charge an intention. Use crystal grids for healing, meditation and to achieve your goals. All the crystals I have chosen are helpful in manifesting positivity, abundance and cheer. Each essential oil I chose to include in my grid helps with physical, and emotional healing.
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I have been using each of these above oils a lot this winter. Some of the benefits of the above oils include happiness, creativity, uplifted mood, elevated energy, zest for life, and are the perfect antidote to SAD and depression.

Here is a brief description of why I use each oil: I use Rose for self-love, and Jasmine for happiness. I enjoy Citrus Bliss for welcoming guests into my home with happiness and for uplifting my mood and creativity. I use Lime when I am really feeling low. Lemon is wonderful so so many things including focus, air purification and cheer. Wild Orange is one of my all time favorites for feeling abundance and uplifting my spirits while simultaneously calming any anxiety I may be having. Tangerine is newer to me -- it feels like liquid joy!. Bergamot is another all-time fav! I use it to feel my best -- to increase my self-esteem and as a perfume -- it is one of my favorite smells. Slim & Sassy makes my tummy flat and helps with my digestion and self-image. Petitgrain wakes me up a makes me feel alive. Melissa is the oil of light -- it is the quintessential depression fighter!  
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I wish you all a happy February! May joy be with you!

If you are interested in using the best essential oils Mother Nature has offer, click here.
Also, if you are interested in making DoTerra an essential part of your life, I would love to work with you. Connect via social media or email with the icons below.

Elizabeth Camp

Founder, Yoga Camp

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New Moon In Virgo 2017

9/20/2017

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It's time to celebrate the harvest of late summer and early fall. With the equinox coming on Friday, 9/22/17, we will usher in the official beginning of autumn. Take this time of the New Moon to set your intentions for the new season and the end of 2017.

The New Moon signifies the beginning of a new cycle, and this New Moon will bring a nouvelle vague of energy that will influence the entire month. 
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Vigo is the sign of: health, work, seva, discipline, living healthy, the little things, organization, tidiness and animal companions. You may already notice you have started paying more attention to details since autumn has been picking up. You may have a period of increased productivity and vision. 

This New Moon could signify either obstacles with our personal healing or show up as empowerment. 

Those of you who have been feeling stretched in many directions could still be riding the wave of Piscean feels. It could bring up feelings of less-than or not-good-enough. However all of this could be letting us know we need to be more focused, forthright, and objective.

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So with all of this New Moon information, ask yourself, "What can I do to make my life run more smoothly? What can I let go of that's getting in the way of me making these positive changes in my life?"

Remember, Virgo's New Moon is celebrating the Harvest. The power lies within your capability to decide and take your new energy to make powerful and transformative changes in your life for the good.

If you are still feeling a little frazzled, find your grounding in nature. Weather that is on the lakeshore, or in the forest or even a park, get your feet on the ground and feel Mother Nature. 

Remembering to honor the moon and her cycles reminds us that we too, are a part of nature. We may have lost connection because our weeks don't reflect the changing of the moon, they are set on a Monday through Sunday cycle and we don't often take time to notice, but the more connected to nature we become, the healthier we will be and our society as a whole. 

Elizabeth Camp

Founder Yoga Camp, E-RYT 500, Reiki Master

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Early Fall 2017 What to Wear from Studio to Street

9/17/2017

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Hello Yoga Campers!!! Today I have my 2017 Early Fall Lookbook to share with you. Below you will find my early fall Fabletics inspired outfit ideas in addition to some curated carousels of the products. Have a beautiful day & I HEART YOU!!
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If you like these looks please utilize my VIP LINK to get discounted prices. Enroll right now and you get 2 pairs of leggings for $24.00.
I also have a Yoga Retreat coming up at the end of October. Please check it out! I would love to have you on this all inclusive adventure. ​

Elizabeth Camp

Yoga Camp Founder, E-RYT 500, Fabletics Master

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7 Signs It's Time to Book a Yoga Retreat

9/1/2017

3 Comments

 
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A yoga retreat has so many benefits. Personally, whenever I return home from a retreat I have a renewed sense of energy, and I am inspired and excited about life. If you are experiencing any of the signs below, I highly recommend you considering booking a yoga retreat. ​
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1. You want some "Me Time"
Do you find yourself constantly doing things for other people? Are you always putting others first? Do you crave time to sit back and relax with a cup of tea and a good book? If the answer is YES, a yoga retreat will do the trick! You will find certainly find time to rest, and reflect.
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You want to meet people with similar interests Expanding your network is great both personally and professionally. A yoga retreat is the perfect time to meet new people with similar interests, dreams, and visions. By learning about your new found friends you will expand your knowledge, shift your perspective, and you will most likely make friends who will literally change your world.

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3. ​You could use a jump start to living a healthy lifestyle
I always LOVE how I feel after returning home from a yoga retreat. I always feel so healthy and refreshed and it makes it much easier to continue a healthy exercise and meal plan.  I also always get new ideas for foods to add to my diet, and cooking techniques.


4. You want to experience something new
Trying new things is super rewarding. Traveling to new places, trying new foods, and meeting new people. There is a lot of new at a yoga retreat. If you are looking to try a variety of new things, definitely give yourself the chance by booking a retreat.


5. You are feeling stuck in your current life
If your days are feeling, same old, same old, it's time to book a retreat. By giving yourself a break from everyday life, you will refresh your soul and return much more grateful for the good things in life. Taking a break for yourself is one of the best things you can do. Everybody needs a chance to reset once in awhile.
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​6. You want to expand your yoga practice
At a yoga retreat OF COURSE you will expand your yoga practice. You will work with different teachers, meet people of all levels, and you may even try a type of yoga you have never explored. A yoga retreat is the perfect time to explore and dive deeper into the goodness of yoga! 

7. You are looking to be inspired
If you are looking for inspiration in life a yoga retreat is the perfect remedy! Yogis are by nature, kind, open hearted people, who will support you, and love you no matter what. A yoga retreat is a safe space where you can be honest about your dreams and feelings. I have no doubt you will find people to support and inspire you!

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So, what are you waiting for? Start thinking about treating yourself to a yoga retreat! You will not regret it! For information on Yoga Camp’s upcoming retreat, that is sure to address ALL the above, click here. I hope you join us!

Much LOVE!

Lacey

Yoga Retreat

Lacey Doboszenski

Yoga Camp, Travel and Media Specialist, RYT 200

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5 Reasons to Try Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP)

8/2/2017

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Photo by Elizabeth Camp

​      Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) has been gaining popularity in the last 5 years. It’s a great workout, it’s safe for everyone and you can see nature up close and personal – the reasons go on. The sport has grown in many different formats from racing to leisure and from bootcamp to yoga classes. Anyone can find a reason to get on a SUP.
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Photo by Lacey Doboszenski

​1.Full Body Workout
 – SUPing works your arms, legs, back and core. By paddling to a point in the horizon you can get a serious workout going against the wind or the current. The instability of the boards allows your body to work the smaller muscle groups. The best thing about stand up paddle boarding is you will get a workout without even realizing it. You can paddle hard and feel the burn or paddle casually and still work your balance and core strength.
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Photo by Elizabeth Camp
2. Safe – People of all ares are trying SUP, loving it and including it into their exercise and recreation routines. This sport is easy on joints and is therapeutic to the mind and body. Learning how to stand up and stabilize on a SUP is much easier than learning how to surf in waves.
3. Explore Nature – Getting on a SUP puts you right out into natures to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells up close and personal. With the water under your feet, navigating through unaccessible marshy areas and lagoons puts you in the perfect viewpoint to observe amazing wildlife and exotic lands.
4. Relaxing – If you’re not into racing, you can use your board as a chance to get some “me” time. Being on the water is a way to unwind listen to the birds chirp and hear the tide splashing on the shore.
5. Socialize with Friends & Family – Paddling is a great why to disconnect from any technological distraction and enjoy great company like we used to. Enjoy great conversation with friends, family or take your 4-legged friend along for a ride. Time flies paddling alongside your buddy and chatting away.
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Photo by Lacey Doboszenski
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​Written by, Kayla Brugger

KB Sculpt is your ultimate Stand Up Paddle Board fitness & yoga experience. Offering yoga & strength classes in Minnetonka MN. Facebook: KB Sculpt.

Book a class with Kayla today, KB SCULPT​, and connect with her on social media below.

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Remembering Prince

4/21/2017

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I can't believe it's been a whole year since Prince passed. I wanted to share some of the ways Yoga Camp and I remember him. Pictured above, Lacey, @MinnesotaYogini, and I pose in front of First Ave. If you have never visited Minneapolis, it is a must see because it's amazing and it's where Prince filmed Purple Rain.
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Lacey and I actually went to check out this mural by Rock Cyfi Martinez the artist was still in the process of painting it. It was cool to meet him, and even better that he posed with us. Rock was still wearing his mask in the photo because he was taking a break to pose. 
In remembering Prince and grieving for the loss of one of my favorite artists, I took a journey through Minneapolis trying to honor in an artistic way some of his most iconic images and pay homage to him.
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I got to go into local artist Erin Sayer's studio with with Sara, @LightfulYogini, pictured above.
Here, artist Erin and I are during Art-A-Whirl last spring with the stencil she used to create her Uptown mural pictured here. Lacey and I do a handstand to honor Prince!
Originally Prince's star at First Ave was always silver, pictured on the left on the day of his death, April 21st, 2016 -- one year ago today. Later that summer, pictured on the right with Patience Stopke, First Avenue changed his star to gold -- the only star like it.
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Prince was mourned all over the world. My friend  Zara visited from Pakistan last summer and told me people honored and mourned him there. That made me happy. His creativity and daring touched the lives of people across the world.
 
Thank you Prince Rogers Nelson for creating some of the best music ever that has accompanied the soundtrack of my life. I will continue to listen to your music and you will be in my heart. Great music and creativity is at the core of Yoga Camp. We love partnering with local bands and DJ's each summer and it's part of what makes Yoga Camp so special. We hope you join us this summer for our events. Dates and registration coming soon.
Much love, 
e 
Elizabeth Camp
Yoga Camp
​4/21/17
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Working With Injury and Healing

3/31/2017

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Image by Marjorie Renn & Elizabeth Camp, Healing Media
About a month ago I started a new journey with my body. I felt something coming on on the first day of the Minneapolis Yoga Conference while I had the pleasure of taking an all day intensive with author and world renowned teacher, Rolf Gates. It was subtle, and I ignored it, and in denial I thought it would pass. Later that weekend I had the honor of being a guest presenter during the Devanadi Yoga Teacher Training. In the middle of my presentation when I was standing up to make a point, I felt it. That same feeling that come over me about a year and half ago, although this time I wasn't rollerblading with my Great Dane, I was in the middle of presenting for Pro-Day, to about 30 women, me, a pro. The feeling was immense pain, although this time, it was just a twinge.  It wasn't until I got in my car after my presentation to drive home that I knew this was real and it was not going to be pretty. 

I drove around Lake Harriet to get home and I had to pull over because I was in so much pain. I called my husband and told him. It was Sunday afternoon so I couldn't get into see my chiropractor, but I left a message to get in first thing the next day.  When I got home I put on the old TENS-Unit form my last episode a year and half ago. I also took 2 Advil, which is a big deal for me. This goes without saying, but I also used a lot of my essential oils.

By Monday I had graduated to the leftover pain medication I had from my previous attack and my husband had to leave work briefly so he could drive me to see my chiropractor. I could not operate a motor vehicle. Insert laughing crying emoji. 

When I got to Dr. Kim, I couldn't even lay on the table to receive my entrainment. I had to just sit. I wasn't worried, Dr. Kim always meets me where I am at. It is really great to know that she is there for me. Thanks Dr. Kim. 
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My second visit to Dr. Kim that day. Photo by Dr. Kimberly Berkus


​Excluding denial, I always teach that injury has three stages:

 
1) Anger
2) Humility
3) Gratitude



That first day of recovery I cancelled everything and just laid in bed excluding multiple trips to the chiropractor. That week I saw Dr. Kim everyday. I was in so much pain I couldn't even think about getting a massage -- that would be too much.  Over a week later I received some Shiatsu from Aaem Mitchell which was really helpful. It was a gentle way to get my energy flowing and and ease into massage. 

I've continued receiving bodywork, massage and acupuncture from Jason Lee, and chiropractic care multiple times a week this entire month with some yoga here and there. It is really hard for me to get on my mat right now because I am going through all my healing stages: anger, humility and gratitude. My natural reaction is to push away all those feelings and avoid it. Yoga makes me cry because I have to face my new limitations. I am mostly still in anger and humility, I haven't quite gotten too much of the gratitude stage yet. 

I've been going through my days limiting my physical activities to take care of myself and heal. Last week I got to travel to Spokane, Washington to visit my brother, and niece and nephew. I started daily workouts again with my niece, Isabella. It has felt really good. Again, I am frustrated because I lost a lot of the strength and ease I had gained from ramping up my fitness in February, bit still, it feels good to get gently moving again.

This Tuesday I had a photo shoot with Marjorie so she could take some photos of me for this project my company, Healing Media is working on with the Yoga Center of Minneapolis. It was nice to see Marjorie but I didn't feel like myself really. The shoot, thank goodness, was mostly centered on portraiture and personality, not on crazy poses. 
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Photo by Marjorie Renn
Triangle pose is not a crazy pose and I thought it could be a good posture for me. You can see pain and anger on my face as I try to get into a once effortless posture.

Needless to say, I won't be submitting this photo for my portrait a The Yoga Center, but I wanted to show you a moment Marjorie captured of what it is like to work with injury. It's like you know your body, but now you have a totally different body with new, crazy quirks. I've been practicing yoga for over 20 years and teaching for over 10. Each time I work through a set-back or an injury I always come through a better, more experienced and more compassionate teacher. I know this, but it is really hard for me right now, when I'm in the middle of this pain. My reaction is to crave the other side of this. The side where I am better for it. The side where I'm not in pain. The side where I have a story to tell. I'm not there yet.  I know this won't last forever, nothing does, but when you're in the middle of it, it is really hard to maintain the clarity of impermanence.  

I came across a quote this morning that makes me feel pretty awesome and also inspired me to write this blog today.
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At my visit to Dr. Kim yesterday she assured me that I was going to come out better for this, and that
​I am improving.  I know this is true, but that doesn't make it easy.

This post isn't sponsored but I do love to connect people, it is one of my favorite things to do actually.
If you are looking for a great chiropractor, check out Dr. Kimberly Berkus. 
If you are looking for awesome massage, here are some therapists I love:
Aaem Mitchell, Jason Lee, Cindy Gorbonow, Gary Heyer, Lynda Flores

Please share some of your healing journeys and insights in the comments below. Also, if you are reading this blog but don't live in the Twin Cities, give your city a shoutout and share some of your favorite go-to massage therapists and chiropractors in the comments below, you may help someone who needs it. 

Elizabeth Camp, ​3/31/17

Yoga Camp Founder, E-RYT 500

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WHAT’S UNDERNEATH ALL THE NOISE? REFLECTIONS FROM TEN DAYS IN SILENCE

3/25/2017

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Photo Credit: Angie Williamson
Recently, I attended a ten-day silent meditation retreat. At a Vipassana retreat, your aren’t allowed access to books, journals, iPhones or even eye contact. The intention is to eliminate all external noise in order to create a conducive container for meditation.

Left to my own devices, I’m the type of gal that reads three books a week, listens to podcasts constantly, and compulsively checks social media. I knew this was going to be a challenge. My neurons were habituated to constant stimulation and the transition was rocky. On day three, I was sitting on a bench outside and a mosquito bit me. I was elated---finally some stimulation! On day four, I found myself laughing a little too loud at the nightly dharma talk, reaching desperately for some comedic relief. I read and re-read the course rulebook.  And, eventually, I gave up. I finally surrendered to my inability to control my sensory input and started tuning into my surroundings.

So, what was underneath my constant need for stimulation? Lots of boredom. Emotions: some pleasant, many not. A mind that is obsessively interested in replaying past memories (mainly regarding ex-boyfriends and even some reality TV episodes. Careful what you take in folks, it stays there.). And a persistent feeling of emptiness that I’ve all my life felt compelled to constantly fill with noise, busyness, and persistent stimulation. Pema Chodron talks about making contact with the fundamental slipperiness and mystery of our being, which has no fixed identity. She calls this place the fundamental “groundlessness” of being. This was the place I’d been running away from.
But, is this “groundlessness” to be feared? What compelled me to persistently run away from it? As I continued to sit with this groundless feeling in my meditations, I realized that it is extremely threatening to the part of me that believes I’m in control, the part of me that’s attached to a fixed identity, and prefers pleasure, and resists pain. Sound familiar to anyone else? These are evolutionary mechanisms our brains have evolved to protect us, so moving away from these instincts naturally brings up resistance. As I began to feel more comfortable with and even to befriend the sense of groundlessness, I found a newfound fearlessness arise. If I could stay with the discomfort long enough to notice that all my sensations were in constant transformation, I felt braver to sit with whatever arose. Also, as I was able to sit with the direct experience of groundlessness, there was, in fact, all the stimulation I could ever crave. Here, everything constantly arises and falls away. There is nothing stable in sight. Everything is always new.

Tuning into this constant flux, with neutrality and kindness, offers wisdom about the very nature of reality. Sit with this direct reality long enough and you may even make contact with that which is eternal and unchanging.

To experience the raw nature of reality for yourself, I’d highly recommend attending a course. They are free (donations accepted) and one of the best investments of time you will ever make. In a culture that is hyper-focused on the value of the mind through education and accumulation of knowledge, we are not given tools to understand the mind’s limitations and train it for liberation. Vipassana is Bootcamp for mind liberation. For more information visit: https://www.dhamma.org/en-US/index

In Mindfulness

Tara McCoy

Tara McCoy is an Intuitive Guide, Wellness Coach, and Writer. She specializes in personal optimization through healthy lifestyle changes and intuitive support. Her writing focuses on cultivating wellness by integrating mind, body, and spirit. Tara is also a regular contributor to the Huffington Post.

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5 Simple Ways to Live Your Yoga While Working for “The Man”

3/19/2017

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IT-employee by day, yogi by night has been the name of my game for almost 12 years now.  Working for a large Corporation has its benefits, however when it comes to living the Yoga lifestyle, it can seem a bit controversial for some. Over the years I have really worked hard to make these two, very different, worlds collide, and with great success! Not only does Yoga enhance my life greatly, but I have also seen the huge benefits Yoga has brought to my career.  You read that right - Yoga can help you at work too! Don’t believe me? Take a look to see five ways you can live your yoga while working for “The Man”, and how it can enhance your life and your career.
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1)     Breathing through Meetings
How many times have you been in a stressful meeting and forgot to breathe? It is in these moments that I recall 3-part breathing from Yoga Teacher Training, and I bust that bad-boy out. No one in the meeting has a clue that I am basically meditating in the middle of their speech, and I am reaping all of the benefits! A calmer mind and body, clearer focus, an ability to speak my mind on the topics at hand, and all with a soft smile on my face. If you have never practiced 3-part breathing, there are numerous YouTube and Instagram videos, or you can take a class at your local Yoga studio!
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2)     Mini Meditations
You read it right. Yoga has taught me that meditation is good, not meditating is not so good. Since I rarely have time to sit for 30 minutes and meditate, I do mini meditations throughout the day. At my desk is the most frequent location, where I’ll sit for 30-60 seconds with my eyes closed and focus on listening to everything around me. All of the sounds become one harmonious melody that put me at peace. Yes, even the sounds of a corporate office can be soothing if we allow them to be. The typing of my co-workers in their cubicles, the sound of the IMs chiming, phones ringing, copy machines running, it’s almost like music to my meditated ears.  The benefits of meditation are numerous and would require another blog post, but the main benefit in the work place is a renewed focus and energy for the tasks ahead.
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3)     Chant while you Commute
My commute to work is 1.5 hours one way and it involves 3-parts (just like yogic breathing, don’t think I didn’t notice that parallel).
               Part #1 – 40 minute drive to the train station
               Part #2 – 30 minute train ride to downtown Minneapolis
               Part #3 – 20 minute walk to the office
Each part of that commute serves a purpose for me. Part #1, alone in my car, I often chant or make the mantras of the day that I repeat out loud. Always softly at first, because 4:30 am is a delicate time of the day, but eventually I find my voice and belt them out as loud as possible (added bonus: opening my throat chakra, which is equally important for that corporate job). Part #2 of my commute, gives me time to reflect on yesterday and the day ahead of me. It is often here where I write Instagram posts, edit photos, and comment on people’s inspiring images and captions. The train is where I find inspiration to live my yoga! Part #3 is a moving meditation, as walking always has been something very calming for me. I love feeling peace and tranquility while walking through the hustle and bustle of the skyways in Downtown Minneapolis. It gives me a sense of freedom and release that I can find nowhere else.
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4)     Make time for Asana
As you can see from above, my time is very limited because of working full-time and commuting 3-hours a day, which makes this number by far the hardest one out of the bunch. Asana, the physical practice of Yoga, can be difficult for anyone to squeeze time in for. In fact, I have been known to sneak in a few Sun Salutations in the storage closet at the office (shhh, don’t tell my boss!) if I have to!
Perhaps the best part about our physical yoga practice is we need no equipment, we need only to tune into our breath. A mat and yoga clothes help, so I always keep a set of clothes and a mat at the office. I have been known to practice on my lunch-breaks, which comes with its own set of challenges:
Challenge #1 - At my office all of the conference rooms have glass walls so the only place I have found that I can practice acceptably is in the Mother’s Room (which is about 3 feet by 8 feet in size). Challenge #2 - I am a sweaty person (thanks, Pitta) and getting sweaty on lunch is tricky to deal with because of hair and makeup. For this challenge I keep organic face wipes and hair supplies at my desk, and just refresh my hair and makeup when done.
Challenge #3 - Corporate employees love to socialize and network on lunch and missing too many of these can cause a negative hit on a person’s corporate status. Sad, but true. That said, I still practice probably 1 day per week on lunch break, the others I reserve for networking and I practice before work. Life is about balance, right?
I share these challenges because I want you to know that everyone faces difficulties when it comes to finding time in our busy lives. Find something that works for you and your life in order to fit in a practice. Some days it might only be 10-minutes long, others a full 2-hour flow, and some days it might just be pranayama. Just fit in some semblance of a practice into your busy life and you will feel incredible! 
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5)     Follow the Yamas and Niyamas
In the movies, people at the corporate office are quick to cut, judge, and backstab each other; it almost seems like it’s part of the job! Unfortunately, this can sometimes be not all that far from the truth. While it’s not as dramatic as we see on TV, it happens every day when working for “The Man”. As yogis, we need to live separate from that lifestyle as much as we possibly can. Luckily, Yoga has given us a way to live those out: the Yamas and Niyamas. Sometimes these are referred to as the 10 Commandments of Yoga, and they are as follows (a corporate translation in parenthesis):
Yamas:
1) Ahimsa – Nonviolence (be kind to everyone you meet)
2) Satya – Truthfulness (speak your truth, do not lie to get ahead)
3) Asteya – Non-stealing (don’t take credit for work you didn’t do)
4) Brahmacharya – Non-excess; chastity (don’t have affairs with your co-workers)
5) Aparigraha – Non-possessiveness/greed (share your work knowledge with co-workers)

Niyamas:
1) Saucha – Purity, cleanness of mind, body, and speech (bathe regularly, don’t speak ill of others)
2) Santosha – Contentment (love even those with whom you disagree)
3) Tapas – Self-discipline (work hard and be consistent, in work-life and yoga-life)
4) Svadhyaya – Self-Study (constantly check yourself to be a better person)
5) Ishvara Pranidhana - Surrender (Let go of control)

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If you’re working for “The Man” and feel like you can’t find time for your Yoga, I hope these tips can help you going forward. Try one thing at a time, and let them come with ease.

​- Cassie Greer
​March 19, 2017
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Receiving Gifts : Vipassana Meditation & Four Leaf Clovers

3/17/2017

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I recently sat a full Vipassana Meditation course in Menomonie, Wisconsin and loved it. I highly recommend it, even though I wanted to quit everyday because it was really hard work. Today I going to make a St. Patrick's Day post on Instagram and was going through some images looking for something good. The first thing that came up was an image of a shamrock and I immediately remembered when a fellow meditator gave one of the best gifts I have ever received.

If you ever sit a Vipassana course you will take a vow of noble silence, which means that for most of the time you are there you will not speak to anyone or touch anyone or make eye contact with anyone for the duration of the course. During your time there you really have an opportunity to become very quiet and very clear. I honestly recommend it and think you should do it when you feel called to sit your first course. I loved it and have been vibing out on the benefits of Vipassana meditation all winter long.
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After days on end after being silent for so long, deprived of human contact & connection, it must have been day 7, 8 or 9, it was a beautiful day outside and we were on a break between meditations. During breaks you are encouraged to take a walk on the path on your designated side of the retreat center, or rest in your dorm. I was outside deep in thought and out of nowhere the woman who sat behind me in the meditation hall, walked up to me and made eye contact with me with her sparkling blue eyes, and took a breath and handed me a four clover and then continued her walk. 

I was completely overwhelmed by the human connection of eye contact, the touch of her hand and also overjoyed by the sight of a four leaf clover, which I had never seen in real life before. My current meditated state allowed me to feel all of the emotions of human connection and receiving gifts in this way that I had never experienced before. I felt a myriad of emotions: overwhelming joy and gratitude, longing, peace and complete overwhelm, along with the fear of tarnishing my Vipassana record with now having broken my vow of noble silence even though I was just sitting there and my gift giver broke it for me. All of my joy of receiving this beautiful, lucky gift took over and I decided to not create more drama by fretting over this brief encounter of human connection and just let the joy flood in. 

Peace, and then more anxiety started forming. At that moment I felt like I had never received such a pure, authentic, beautiful and genuine gift. I didn't know what to do with it. I couldn't take a picture of it, because that wasn't allowed, and I was following the rules. The question that came to me was "should I keep this to myself or share this beautiful gift with someone else?" I ran through the different scenarios in my head if I kept it, then I'd be the only one to knew the true bliss of this shamrock. If I gave it away perhaps the recipient would also pass it on and so on and so forth until it got back the original gift giver and then all the women in the camp would have experienced my joy and gratitude. 
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I quickly decided to share my joy with the woman who sat directly in front of me in the mediation hall because she walked past me at the exact right moment. I called her "Secretary," in my mind because I hadn't met her prior to my noble silence vow and didn't know her name. (I gave everyone I didn't know secret names.) Immediately after I gave my gift to her I felt remorse because I no longer had my blessed and perfect four leaf clover and I also had no way of knowing what the Secretary would do with it. I was so stressed out because I felt like I had made the wrong decision. I had to process all of those feelings, all because of this gift!


I had to make peace with the fact that I gave it away, and that was that and I wouldn't know what became of my little four leaf clover until the final day when we could break our silence. I remembered that in the book The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up, Marie Kondo says that a once a gift has been given and received, it has served its purpose, to be given. It is gift -- its purpose is lived out.

There was so much emotion and anxiety and guilt all wrapped up, excuse the pun, in receiving this one little gift. All I could do was sort through that because I was on my silent meditation retreat so I had plenty of time to think about it. 

One of the many lessons I learned during my 10 day Vipassana course was about gift giving. I learned that the joy of giving and receiving gifts does not come from creating judgement or getting what one expects, it's about receiving kindness from another human being. SO no matter if you are given a four leaf clover from a silent, unknown friend, or sapphire earrings from your husband, that you never plan on wearing, it is not about the value of the gift, it is about the value of the effort, thought and energy given from one human to another. So I thank you for reading this. Happy St. Patrick's Day! This blog is for you! ​
For each petal on the shamrock.
This brings a wish your way
Good health, good luck, and happiness
For today and every day.
​-Irish Blessing-

Author

Elizabeth Camp, Founder of Yoga Camp
​3/16/17

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