Human Connection vs Social Media "Friends"

We are living in a technological world where social media is the norm.  Even my 80 year old parents are texting. Direct conversations, snail mail and even good old fashioned get togethers without the distraction of phones are becoming a rarity. You go to dinner these days and you see people typing away on their smartphones rather than enjoying talking with one another. This is a sign of "real world" disconnection. Technology, as wonderful as it is, is in many ways handicapping us in our social efforts. 

According to an article in The Wall Street Journal, a hug feels six times more supportive than an emoji. But instead we exchange emojis all day long. Think about it. When was the last time you hugged your friends?  

I would like like to challenge you. Go to coffee, or lunch, or dinner and put your phone and computer away. It may feel strange at first. You might miss a few calls or texts. If you need to, let people know in advance that you will be unavailable for one hour. And then give the person or people you are with your full attention. The world needs us to plug back into kindness and compassion and we cannot do that when we are constantly distracted by Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram and Twitter. Please, don't get me wrong, they have their place and are great in moderation. But, make time for real life connections. Give more hugs than emojis each day!  

In addition, close social connections have been linked to living longer, happier lives. Have you heard of Blue Zones? There are specific places throughout the world where people are known to reach incredible longevity (over 100 years of age) based on the ideal living conditions. They have great air and water quality, they eat plant based diets high in sweet potatoes, soy, and tumeric, they get lots of exercise, they feel that they have purpose and they have a strong sense of community and connection to friends. So one of the parts of your wellness plan if you would like to live a long happy life needs to include a close knit group of positive and supportive friends.

Stay connected!

Libby

 

 

Energy Exchange: The Law of Attraction and You

You are energy. Everything you do has an equal and opposite reaction. When you put out energy, it comes back. That is the law of attraction. When you are attracted to a particular person it is because you see similar qualities of yourself. It is very magnetic. The same goes with negative qualities. When you are angry or upset with someone likely, not always, you might be deep down upset with yourself.

When we slow down and think about this energy exchange it really helps us understand relationships. It makes us want to stay positive. You see, it is not about what you want! It is about being happy with what you have, because then you will attract what you want! Let go of the outcome and stay in the present moment radiating love and joy. You will then attract all that you could want and need. It is manifesting, the law of attraction,  and autosuggestion. 

Write down as many positive things as you can think of in your life! Positive qualities about your friends and co-workers, positive qualities about yourself, things you're grateful for. Then write down a few things that you want to manifest. Perhaps you want to attract the love of your life... Write it down. Maybe you want to attract wealth... Write it down. Maybe you want better health... Write it down. Whatever you want or need, write it down. The universe WILL provide them to you if your energy is set to the right vibration!!! The magic is within you!  

Our thoughts will not always be positive. We are human. When a negative thought comes, simply be aware and examine what is bothering you. Try not to dwell there. Turn it around into something positive. We can always look on the bright side if we choose. Our mind is a powerful tool!  

Happy Friday Everyone! I hope your energy is high and you keep the momentum spiraling upward! Surround yourself with other positive inspiring people and rise above the negativity that is weighing our world down. Be the Change!  

Good Vibes Only, 

Libby

 

 

A Bountiful Garden: Time to Pickle and Can

Home gardening is extremely gratifying, but certain vegetables like squash and cucumbers can grow so prolifically that you might get overwhelmed. Besides sharing with neighbors and friends, making pickles is a wonderful way to use the produce and save it for the upcoming winter months! I have a recipe that is not only quick and easy, but creates the best tasting pickles I have EVER had! Try it and let me know what you think!!!  

First you want to gather your ingredients. You will need Mason or Ball jars. You choose the size! Then you will need distilled white vinegar, whole black peppercorns, dill seed, sugar, kosher salt and crushed red pepper.  

Next, thinly slice your garlic and cover the bottom of the jar. It takes 2-4 cloves per large jar and 1-2 cloves per small jar depending on the size of the clove! Feel free to skip if you do not like garlic.  

Sprinkle Peppercorns (1/2 T for large jar, 1/4 T sm jar), dill seed (1T. Large jar, 1/2T sm jar), a dash of crushed red pepper - more if you want spicy pickles over the garlic. Slice the cucumbers and fill the jars tightly with them.   

Meanwhile for the brine, boil 1 1/4 cups white vinegar and add 3T salt and 2 T sugar. Stir until dissolved. Add 2 cups of cold water. Pour over your cucumbers. Put your lids on and place the jars in the fridge. 

Viola! It's THAT easy! No boiling jars... They make wonderful gifts and taste delicious! These crispy cunchy pickles will leave you craving more with their salty sour taste that is beautifully balanced with a hint of sweet and spicy. They are great as a refreshing cool summer snack on their own or paired with a nice mellow cheese such as gouda.  They are perfect on any sandwich. You can also chop and add them to your egg salad, chickpea salad or pasta salad.  Save the brine and use it for dressings! The jar will be gone in no time at all!

Store them in your refridgerator for two months, but they will taste great as early as the next day! I hope you enjoy them as much as we do!  

Bon Appetit, 

Libby

homemade-pickles-in-jars

Dolphin Pose - Core Strength Drills for Skills

Just as your thoughts determine the direction of your day, the yoga skills that you practice determine the physical outcomes that you want to achieve.

Dolphin Pose is a great way to build core strength and strengthen your shoulders. Core is important not only for arm balances and inversions but also for:

• Strengthening and protecting your back

• Flattening your stomach

• Having good posture

• Improving your ability to do everyday activities safely and without pain

Start in downward dog. Lower onto your forearms and interlace your fingers. Bring your big toes together to touch. Now walk your toes in toward your arms as far as you can, keeping straight legs (heels can lift from floor). Finally, shift your torso forward so that your nose is over your thumbs. Look at your thumbs and keep your breathe steady in through the nose out through the nose 6-8 breaths. Rest in child's pose before repeating.

Libby McAvoy in dolphin pose

Build this deep core practice and you will find a strength within yourself that improves your daily yoga practice and your everyday life ✨💖✨

Finish your day strong!

Libby

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The Power of Breath

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Have you ever noticed how powerful the force of water in nature is? Your breath is similar. Now visualize a large body of water. Sometimes that water is choppy with whitecaps. Sometimes that very same water is flat and still. The water moves with the wind. When we are stressed or angry, our breath tends to be rapid and shallow and the body, as a result, becomes taxed. When we are calm, our breath is naturally slow, steady and deep. But you have the power to instantly use your breath to turn your stress or anxiety into calm.  The key is awareness! Try the following meditation. 

Now, close your eyes for a moment. With your eyes closed, breathe in deeply through your nose and out deeply through your nose. Put your awareness into your breath as you allow the other busy thoughts in the mind to fade away. Acknowledge any thoughts that pop up, but save them for later, they can wait. Simply listen to the sound of the waves in each breath going into shore, and back out to sea. Breathe in, breathe out.  Feel your breath slow and listen as it quiets. 

 Now, with your eyes still closed, visualize that body of water. As your breath calms and quiets, that body of water will begin to still. The body of water represents your soul conciousness. Once the chaos of the external world subsides, your natural state arises like the surface of beautifully calm and crystal clear water. Small ripples represent the effects of others upon us and us upon others. But underneath is where the depth occurs. Your true authentic self is deep below the surface. It is in this calm where the breath is slow and steady, and that the body and mind can truly become one and work to be their best. Your natural state is one of calm and joy. Your natural state is divine love. It is here in this silence that the answers you seek will come. There is in essence no need to worry. Just let go. Just be.  Just breathe. 

 Breathe in, breathe out, release and let go... 

Breathe in peace, breathe out chaos.

Breathe in acceptance, breathe out judgement.

Breathe in divine love, breathe out divine love.

 You are enough. You are all you need. In times of chaos, turn to your breath. Take just a moment, listen to those waves and let that calm you. It is proven to lower your heart rate. It works and it is in your power all the time! Have an incredible start to this week!  

 

Clarity

Happy Monday, 

Libby

What is Your Favorite Flower?

I Believe it is in nature that we best come to know ourselves. So plant the seeds of what you love and watch the world around you grow.  

Living on the edge. Take chances. Lake Cumberland, Ky  

Do your daily yoga practice and progress is sure to follow.  You do not need to be able to do the full splits to practice yoga.  The important part is to start where you are.  Practice full acceptance, trust the journey, and most importantly have fun with it!

Sometimes we need to kick off our shoes and plant our feet right into the earth. Really feel grounded and one with nature. Quiet the mind and leave behind the chaos of the external world. It is in these moments when we connect body, mind and soul. We feel whole. That is when our beauty shines. So live your authentic life. Blossom into your own unique being.  

Please comment below on your favorite flower.  

Namaste Beautiful Friends, 

Libby

ps- I love all wild flowers  

Summer Heat Advisory for Cincinnati... Ride the Wave

Summer is my favorite season. I personally love hot weather and being outdoors. With high heat warnings throughout the midwest, however, it is essential that you take precautions and be smart. You do not want to become a victim of heat exhaustion, or worse yet, heat stroke because these are serious medical conditions that can be life threatening. 

Mackenzie Madison, professional triathlete

Wear loose fitting light in color clothing, drink plenty of water, or better yet coconut water, before during and after your outdoor activities. Stay in the shade as much as possible, apply and reapply sunscreen and replace your electrolytes. We loose three main minerals when we sweat; calcium, potasium, and magnesium, which can be critically dangerous leading to fatigue, muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea, headaches and even organ failure. If this happens to you, see a doctor immediately.  

Enjoying yoga on a boat at Lake Cumberland in Kentucky

When your core body temperature rises to 101 degrees as it does in hot yoga (as it will with these naturally high temperatures and high heat indexes outdoors), it allows the body a higher range of flexibility and potentially greater athletic performance. However, if you loose too many of these minerals it can cause you to pass out or even worse, to die. Foods high in these electrolyte replacing minerals are almonds, avocados, dark leafy greens, coconut water, bananas, and cheese. Also be careful not to allow your body to rise above 104 degrees, this is when it gets truly dangerous.

Mackenzie Madison from kenzmadison.com

Swimming is a wonderful way to get a great workout and still keep your body cool. Whatever you do, just be safe and enjoy! Find your inner child and live each day to the fullest riding the waves of life with gratitude and grace!

Cheers,

Libby

Cucumber Lemon Detox Water

Are you aware of the amazing health benefits of something as simple and delicious as cucucumber lemon water? It is loaded with Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that promotes skin health, protects our cardio vascular system and boosts our immune system, as well.  Lemons help cleanse the liver and also reduce uric acid in our joints, fighting pain and inflammation.  

Cucumbers are chalked full of many essential vitamins and minerals that our bodies need including b vitamins which help reduce stress, folic acid, calcium, potassium and magnesium.   Potassium and magnesium in particular are important minerals that we lose when we sweat, making them critical electrolyte replacements pre and post work out!

Cucumber lemon water helps fight bloating and may even aid in weightloss as it draws toxins out of our bodies, cleansing and acting as a mild diuetic according to Huffington Post. 

In conclusion, the body is composed of approximately 60% water. Therefore it is essential that we stay hydrated. So why NOT drink this quick, delightful, refreshing and low calorie version that will boost immunity, brain power, skin health and protect against cancer. 

For maximum nutritional value it is recommended to slice the cucumbers and lemons into the water the night before and allow them to sit. Drink at room temperature when you first wake and then throughout the day.  Drinking at room temperature is important because ice water can be abrasive and shocking on our organs. It is always best to consume local organic fruits and vegetables whenever possible, as well. 

Bon Appetite,

Libby

Be A Warrior Not a Worrier...Happy Monday!

Brand New week! With each new week comes new opportunities. Maybe you are still working on long term goals and that is great, keep moving in the direction of your dreams and never give up. Maybe you want to set a new goal for today or for this week? That is great as well. All things are possible when we put energy into our intention. So rather than dread Mondays, look at it as a brand new chance to make your goals happen. It is going to be an AWESOME week! Take a deep breath and lets do this!

Rock on,

Libby

Chillin' out at High Falls in Dupont State Park, North Carolina

"The Answer My Friend is Blowin' in the Wind"

BE the change you wish to see in the world~ Ghandi

There is too much violence in the world my friends! As Bob Dylan sings, " Yes 'n' how many ears must one man have before he can hear people cry? Yes 'n' how many deaths will it takes till he knows that too many people have died? The answer my friend is blowin' in the wind."

The answers come when we are quiet. Just a few minutes of meditation each day can bring you peace and tranquility. That is what the world needs more of. Let us teach ourselves and our children a more peaceful path.  

The news about this supposed Day of Rage tomorrow, July 15th saddens me.  It is tragic that two men lost their lives to police officers, but there are three sides to every story; each person's and then the truth.  A day of rage will not bring their lives back and may indeed cause the loss of many more lives.  Violence is NOT the answer. Rage is NOT the answer. LOVE is the answer. The world needs more LOVE! Give it freely. Give love to everyone you cross paths with. Love may come in the form of a smle, a compliment or just well wishes silently.  

So, please take a moment, close your eyes. Breathe in through your nose and out through your nose.  Now with your eyes closed, imagine a beautiful color (any color you desire) radiating out from your heart center. With each breath allow the color to spread down through your legs and out through your arms. Breathe in positivity and love, breathe out what no longer serves you. Now with your eyes closed, the color has filled your body and begins to exit into the space where you are through your nose. Breathe in peace, breathe out chaos. Let that color fill the room. Now with your eyes still closed, imagine everyone else in the world doing the same and suddenly a rainbow of beauty fills the sky. You inhale each others beauty, you exhale love. Breathe in love, breathe out love. Slowly open your eyes and feel the peace. We are ONE.  

Om Shanti, Om Peace,

Libby

 

Daily Inspiration

If you are breathing, then you can do yoga.  It is not about being able to touch your toes or stand on your head.  Yoga is a journey of the self through the self to the self.  Ultimately we practice to reach our highest state of being, Samadhi or ultimate enlightenment.  It all begins with an hour or so of meditative movement on the mat.  We focus on our gaze and breathwork while we move and suddenly the clutter in our minds is reduced.  A deep level of awareness is created that then carries off the mat and into your daily lives.  

Begin by taking even inhalations through your nose and even exhalations through your nose. Then start to gently stretch in a way that honors what your body needs.  Keep it simple at first.... welcome to yoga! 

Have a wonderful Wednesday.  We would love to hear from you! If you have questions or comments, please click on the Daily Inspiration Title and it will take you to the page where if you scroll down to the bottom you can interact with me! 

Peace & Love,

Libby

Yoga Fit Boutique STUDIO Bids Farewell, but We are not Leaving YOU

Lori teaching Scott an advanced arm balance.

Yoga Fit Boutique was designed as a unique place where you could experience yoga and fitness in a comfortable environment with less intimidation than the common studios. We have absolutely loved getting to know each of you and watching you progress throughout the past two years.  

Libby & Lori welcome the Instagram Twinning Challenge.  Bring on the chin stand!!

Change and transformation are an important part of growth. Some of the changes are sad as we announce we will be closing our STUDIO in the physical sense.  We will miss your warm smiles and hearing all about your families. However, we hope you will stay tuned to our website and keep in touch because we value you, and there are some exciting things in the works that we look forward to sharing with you in the near future.  
 

Shelby,Tish and Rona after celebrating Diwali, the Indian Festival of Lights.


Libby is thrilled to pursue other avenues of teaching you yoga in the comfort of your own home through private instruction and online videos.  It is an exciting time and Yoga continues to grow not only in its popularity, but also in the scientific discoveries of how it benefits the mind, the body and the spirit.  Libby deeply believes that yoga can benefit EVERY BODY! And she is determined to find innovative ways to keep it simple, keep it positive, and keep it encouraging. 
 

Lisa, our Teacher Training grad & instructor with her daughter. 


We thank you for all the positive memories and energy that we created together and we look forward to what is coming around the corner!! 

Please register for our email list to be a part of our inspirational newsletter that will go out every other week with how to do specific yoga poses, information on yoga & wellness, and much more. Also, check our website daily for new inspirational quotes and information, and follow us on Facebook and on Instagram.  We are not really leaving you, we are just shifting how we convey news, knowledge, and information.

Namaste to all of our friends! 

Tina and Libby after an amazing Healing Crystal Workshop.

Meditation: I heard it is good for me, but how do I do it and what is it anyway?

Anyone and everyone is capable of meditation. You do not need any set amount of time, you do not need to be affiliated or NOT affiliated with any religion. Meditation has been proven to lower heart rate and blood pressure.  According to Dr. Deepak Chopra, “meditation can both heal and reverse the biological effects of aging.” YES! Go back and re-read that line several times! It IS true! Just a few minutes of meditation daily has been proven to reduce heart disease by 80% and cancer by 50%! Now, imagine the benefits when combined with a healthy diet and exercise! You, my friends, are in control of much of your health. So, let me break this down in simple and easy to understand terms so that you can even meditate from the comfort of your own home.

There are many ways you can meditate. Even with just a few minutes you can consider a walking meditation. Walking down the street, pacing around the house, or even on a run. As your mind starts to wander, focus your awareness on the movement of your body parts and on your breath.  Pay attention to the feel of your feelings as they connect with the earth. Soon many of the other busy thoughts will fade away. This, is meditation, which is all about being mindful, present and focused. 

For seated meditation find a quiet comfortable spot. It does not need to be fancy.  It can be a spot outside, inside, or even in your car. Try to stay away from distractions to the senses; sights, sounds, smells…. Now, just allow yourself to be comfortable. There are no rules. You can sit cross legged if it is comfortable.  Or, feel free to recline. I want you to be comfortable so that you are able to let go of the clutter in your mind and focus on a single pointed thought. The purpose of meditation is NOT necessarily to clear the mind completely, but to lessen the chatter.

Meditation is not as difficult as you would think, it just requires practice. Try choosing a topic.  For example; you can meditatate simply on the breath ~ how it feels and sounds, and notice how as your thoughts quiet, the breath too will quiet and slow.  OR try to imagine with your eyes closed a place in nature that soothes and calms you. Be all there with all your senses.  Imagine how that place smells, feels, the sounds….. then when you are ready, bring yourself back to your present surroundings.  You can meditate on a color and imagine that color filling your body with each breath in and each exhale leaving your body and filling the space around you. 

As you can see, it allows for great creativity. There are also great guided meditations available on YouTube and meditation apps are another excellent reference.

The important thing to remember in this world that is glorified by multitasking and being overly busy is to SLOW down the pace! Take a few minutes of quiet time for yourself each day and allow your body and your mind to connect.  When we go on auto pilot too long, we disconnect and things go very badly. 

Try to practice at a regular time each day ~ find what works for you and your lifestyle. At first allow your mind to wander. It is perfectly normal, but also try to set those thoughts aside. Apply your choice of technique.  And with practice you will reach Samadhi, the ultimate enlightenment.

Namaste,

Libby

 

 

My Yoga Teacher Training Journey - By Libby McAvoy

Libby's 200hr Ashtanga cohort

People come to yoga for many reasons, all perfectly good and acceptable. For me, yoga centers and calms me. It creates a wonderful focus and allows me to grow spiritually into my best being. It is a constant journey of growth and evolution that requires full acceptance and self love that begins with an awareness that is created on the mat. 

Libby at Multnomah Falls

My Yoga Teacher Training Journey gave me confidence, physical strength, cultivated my daily practice, increased my patience and gave my life tremendous value. Teacher Training was when I really showed up in my very own life. I finally felt comfortable in my skin and knew I had found my calling. I took everything I loved about my personal training experience and then added everything I realized I did not know when I began teaching and tried to make the most helpful and useful course I could deliver. It is well rounded and will give you the experience and education to prepare you to teach immediately finishing your training if that is what you choose to do.

I love knowing I am getting closer and closer to ultimate enlightenment each day. Currently, I am training to become a Sage. Learning never ends. I will always remain a student. I love knowing that I am able to help others achieve their own goals and find acceptance of themselves, as well.  We are, after all, all one. Each day is different and each practice is different. Sometimes I have more energy or more love available to give. But every time I teach I feel better. 

So, if you want to cultivate a daily practice, improve strength & skill, embrace the attitude of conscious expansion, can identify with being a student and always keeping a beginners mind, and want to grow as a better human being, then please consider registering for our upcoming 200 Hour Teacher Training Yoga Alliance accredited program which begins Friday, June 24th at 5:30pm, Sat June 25th 10-4, and Sunday June 26th 9-4. 

Visit our Teacher Training Tab on our website YogaFitBoutique.com for our reading list and further dates, times and information.  If you have a conflict in the schedule or a problem with tuition please speak to me personally and we will try to work it out.  I really want this program to be fun, enjoyable, meaningful, and available to anyone who’s heart is fully in it.

I am super excited to share this journey with you and I truly believe that this life changing experience is the best thing you can possibly do for yourself at any age. 

Peace & Divine Love,

Libby

 

Dreams Do Come True - A Photo of Me Just Got Published in Mantra Magazine!!

Each decision we make directly affects our future. Some impact us more than others. In the last year I have put a significant amount of time and effort into growing my social media through Instagram and Facebook.  This has been successful in many ways and sometimes it has met with frustrations. But feeling connected to a community is what is so beautiful. I have been so incredibly inspired by so many yogis, foodies, and photographers and have developed lasting friendships with people, many of whom I know only virtually.  

Last Fall I had an opportunity to travel to Washington & Oregon.  While I was there I took a significant leap of faith and experienced my first professional photo shoot with the talented Paul Garrett, from Stone Canyon Productions. Paul is a great example of an Instagram connection that happened to truly help me out in life. Turns out that one of those photos he so patiently took of me was just published in this month’s issue of Mantra Magazine, a nationally publicized magazine. 

I am truly honored and humbled to be a part of such a great publication and such a great Yoga Community. Many of my Instagram friends have great articles written about them in this edition, as well. So go pick one up and soak up the great knowledge. Dream really, really big and never give up hope! 

Look for my future blog post about the details of some of the articles in this issue of Mantra Magazine and let us know what your favorite topics are in this edition and what it is you want to learn more about. 

Namaste,

Libby

PS - Here are some more photos from my photo shoot:

 

Summer Special for Students & Ongoing Discounts to Honor Those who so Faithfully Serve our Community

Stress cannot be avoided it is part of our lives. It is how we deal with that stress that really matters and some people have more than others. We have great news! Yoga Fit Boutique recognizes that Students, first responders, police officers, firefighters, nurses & doctors, military personnel and veterans truly give more than most and need to experience the relaxing benefits of yoga and meditation in order to recoup from their days.

Students can now take advantage of our Special Summer Student Package of our monthly unlimited, which is normally $180 for just $30! We are so proud of how hard you work three quarters of the year. Summer break is a time to rest and revitalize. Nourish your body and soul. It is a great time to go within and learn a little more about yourself. Gain confidence through your practice that will carry into your school year providing you with focus and patience.

Our 20% ongoing discount is for first responders, police officers, firefighters, nurses & doctors, military & veterans for all ten class passes and monthly recurring passes. We are so grateful for all you do in the community and we know your jobs are not only stressful, but can also be traumatic. Some of you may suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome and others may suffer from Compassion Fatigue Syndrome. You give so much of yourselves that eventually there is a breaking point. Yoga & meditation will also help reduce stress and heart disease. 

Stress can cause more problems than we sometimes even recognize. It is a silent killer. Yoga combines movement and breath work bringing the body and mind into alignment and harmony. There are many styles of yoga and we are happy to set up a consultation to help you choose what works for your lifestyle and needs. Yoga has been scientifically proven to lower heart rate and blood pressure and more doctors are recommending it as treatment and therapy each day. See what Mayo Clinic has to say about it in their article “Yoga: Fight stress and find serenity.”

Photo courtesy of the D.O.D.

You do not need to be flexible to get started! Simply commit to yourself. It starts as a practice on the mat and in time carries off the mat into a deeper daily consciousness that will reduce stress, improve sleep, improve eating habits and equip you to deal with life with great ease.

We look forward to sharing this beautiful summer with you and we hope you will set aside an hour a day at least a couple times a week for yoga. Look at it as an investment in your future. It is after all your health and well being.

Happy Health,

Libby

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Reasons to Consider Yoga Teacher Training for the Summer of 2016

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There are sooo many reason’s to consider yoga teacher training, even if you have not considered teaching! Teacher training will boost your self confidence, offers the freedom of self employment, and will challenge you mentally and physically.

What to expect from Yoga Teacher Training at Yoga Fit Boutique:

1.     We take our program seriously, however, it is Yoga and we encompass the rules of acceptance and can work with you both financially and with schedule conflicts within reason. We want our program to be accessible to everyone.

2.     Expect to grow spiritually. Yoga is not religious specific, however we do believe you will grow in many ways spiritually.

3.     Learn correct and healthy alignment for your body and then how to share that with others.

4.     Deepen your own self study, svadhyaya. The 8 limbs of Ashtanga Yoga teach you to live your yoga rather than just practice the physical aspect.  

5.     Yoga will add more meaning to your life. You will create an awareness on the mat that will eventually carry off the mat and into your daily life. This awareness will grow into cosmic consciousness allowing you to stay centered and focused in each moment free from judgement.

Our program is different from other training programs.  We will prepare you to lead multiple styles of yoga.  You will develop your verbal cues and speaking skills right from the start.  We teach not only sequencing, but also how to develop your very own sequence to teach any class at any moment to any level practitioner including modifications and the aids of props.  Our program also has a very strong business and marketing module, which will prepare you to market yourself as a teacher, private instructor or business owner. 

Register TODAY! We have several spots available for our summer session.  WE meet the last weekend of each month, beginning Friday, June 24th, 5:30-8:00pm.  For more information please visit the Teacher Training Tab on our website www.yogafitboutique.com .  ****I will honor early registration through June 12th***

Namaste,

Libby McAvoy

 

 

 

 

Gardening for Stress Relief, Health, and The Best Nutrition

You do not need a lot of space to garden. First, simply decide if you prefer flowers, food, or a combination of both. You can even grow herbs in small pots on your deck or porch. Just being out in the sunlight and breathing the fresh air while gardening will make you feel alive and relaxed. The connection with nature calms and centers us. Gardening creates mindfulness as you care for the plants, watering them, trimming and weeding the bed.

Gardening also allows for creativity! Plant a variety and feel the gratification when the plants reach maturation. The sense of immediate accomplishment as you dig the hole and place each plant is amazing. And when your cucumbers are ready to cut and eat, or your flowers are ready to be placed in a vase, you feel so much satisfaction. 

The food you grow is the finest you can possibly eat because you know exactly how it was raised. Studies also show that kids who are involved in gardening are more likely to eat a variety of fruits and veggies and are more adventurous about trying new foods. I know this was the case with my kids. I rented a garden plot six years ago. They started eating eggplant, peppers and all sorts of things after helping me in our garden. We no longer rent a plot, but instead use the space we have in our yard to creatively grow a variety of herbs, peppers, tomatoes, strawberries, cucumbers, squash and some flowers sprinkled in.

We live in a stressful world.  Step away from the chaos and connect with the earth.  Putting your hands in the dirt is not only stress relieving, but physically gratifying.  For example, a person weighing 140 pounds burns approximately 305 calories an hour while gardening. Burning calories, connecting with the earth, releasing stress, growing your own healthy food and raising beautiful flowers are wonderful benefits of gardening.

So get to the local garden center and pick up a few things to play with. As Audrey Hepburn once said, “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” 

 

Love & Light,

Libby

Teen Completes Teacher Training at Yoga Fit Boutique and is Already Teaching Yoga Classes

Teenagers struggle with an abundance of stress from academics to social pressures and everything in between. They are tightly scheduled and highly structured. They deal with bullying and fight self esteem problems. It is quite frankly a miracle that so many turn out so good. Thank goodness for good support systems, families, and friends. Yoga is another great alternative that many have never considered to increase self confidence and combat stress. 

Yoga Fit Boutique welcomes and encourages kids of all ages (as long as they are respectable and well behaved) to attend any and all of our classes and special programs. Yoga teaches them awareness & acceptance on the mat. That awareness and acceptance carries off the mat eventually and into every facet of their lives, building a deep centering affect and stillness that brings peace.

Meet Ben Brynjulfson, our youngest Teacher Training graduate. Ben is 16 years old and attends Sycamore High School. He began taking yoga classes at Yoga Fit Boutique about a year ago. Ben enjoyed it so much that he decided to deepen his studies and pursue his Teacher Training to accomplish something physically and spiritually new.  He also wanted to learn about another culture and a new way of thinking. After all, Yoga is a great pathway to expanding the mind. Ben finished our Teacher Training Program in April and is already leading his first class for Lululemon Athletica at the Kenwood Towne Center location on Sunday, May 29 at 11 am! We are so proud of Ben! He shows tremendous talent and we know you will love his calming nature and sense of humor! Come out to Lulu tomorrow and enjoy a fun and rewarding FREE yoga class with Ben. We are also excited that he will soon be teaching classes at Yoga Fit Boutique!

Interview with Ben:

1.     How has yoga changed your practice, changed your life?

a.     “It gave me a much deper introspective into what it is I’m actually doing; there’s more meaning behind every pose and I feel I want to push further, learn more, grow as a person with my practice instead of just using it as a physical activity.”

2.     What is your BIG life dream?

a.     “ “Haha I don’t think being sixteen is really an excuse, but I really have no idea.  I do not think there are too many people who have an exact goal.  I do know, personally, I want to reach a point where I ‘m happy with myself and who I am, both on and off the mat.”

3.     What is your personal yoga philosophy?

“To breathe and relax. Just try to completely isolate that moment of my practice, to find time in the day to reflect physically and mentally.  To get away from society for a moment and just simply exist without any feelings against myself or anyone else.  Just being.”

4.     Would you recommend Yoga Fit Boutique Teacher Training to others and why or why not?

a.     “Absolutely, it is an awesome way to connect with people while learning more about yoga and enriching your practice.  Even if you aren’t planning to be an instructor, it can only help one’s yoga experience. The ONLY drawback is the time commitment. Even when its just one weekend a month, it does consume that weekend and you can’t go into it thinking you are going to be doing anything besides yoga for that time.”

5.     What should we expect from your class tomorrow at Lululemon?

a.     “Hopefully a fun and exciting class, but nothing too serious.  I want to get somewhat of a sweat going.  There will be a little core work, several vinyasas and a good deal of saluting the sun.”

6.     Finally, tell us a little more about yourself outside of the yoga world.

a.     “ Welp, I enjoy reading, and quite a good deal of lazing around, ironically. A little writing and drawing too.”

The sky is the limit for this talented young man. He is truly a leader, a trend setter and a fearless adventurer on an amazing Life Journey. I sincerely hope that you will take advantage of attending Ben's class tomorrow.  We have really enjoyed everyone who has attended our Sunday morning yoga classes at Lululemon Athletica at the Kenwood Towne Centre during the month of May.  Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend and I look forward to meeting you tomorrow at Ben's 11 am class!

Namaste,

Libby

P.S. - Here's a map for Lululemon in the Kenwood Towne Centre at 7875 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, OH

Athletes Overcoming the Setbacks of Injury

Sports injuries can take a major toll on the body, as well as on the psyche of an athlete. Repetitive motion, hard impacts and pushing the body beyond what it is trained to do puts our bodies at higher risk for serious damage.

Meet Jessica T. Storms, Yoga Fit Boutique's newest yoga instructor. Over the past three years Jessica has experienced increasing shoulder pain. As a seasoned athlete, she pushed through the pain until it finally became unbearable. As it turns out Jessica had torn her rotator cuff (the collection of tendons and muscles that attach the upper arm to the shoulder). Her injury is serious enough that even after surgery Jessica may not be able to return to her full yoga practice for a whole year.  This has been very difficult news for Jessica because yoga is her passion. 

When Jessica began teaching, she found a great sense of stillness and freedom from depression, over thinking and negativity. "The clarity I felt after practicing made me feel alive and less complicated. I fell in love with the breath and meditation through my practice," said Jessica.  

After a period of rehab and rest, we are happy that to announce that Jessica is ready to start teaching off of her mat through verbal instruction so that she can share her passion with you. We hope you will join her Thursday and Friday mornings at Yoga Fit Boutique for her 6:00 am Vinyasa Flow and her 7:30 am Slow Flow classes.  

Alignment is important in the prevention of injury. At Yoga Fit Boutique we have small classes so that we can take the time to watch each student and are able to help you with positioning to adjust to how your body moves to keep you safe from injuries. We are able to actually teach rather than just saying, "go to the wall for an inversion."  We will guide you step by step and provide modifications based on the appropriate level for you. Each body is built differently and our anatomy determines to an extent how we will move.  

Intuition is perhaps your best guide to staying safe and preventing injury. If you are in touch with how your body feels and you let go of the ego, you should stay safe. If, however, you do suffer an injury, use the time to grow in knowledge and in spirit.  Read and journal. Have faith that this too shall pass.  

Health & Happiness,

Libby

My goal is to AWAKEN, INSPIRE, AND EMPOWER you to reach the best version of yourself through AWARENESS, ACCEPTANCE, AND FORGIVENESS in order to manifest abundance in all areas of life. Please sign up below to receive special offers and the latest updates!