#chicago yoga

[shaythelittlefay]

[hokagetenzo]

[chicagognosis]

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” ―Matthew 6:24

​Examine your life. Whom do you serve most from moment to moment? Is it your unconditioned consciousness, or desires? By understanding our psychological states, it becomes possible to intuitively choose what superior actions to embody and follow. In this way, we willingly engage in selfless behaviors for the well-being of our communities.

[yogadaily]

(via Skyscraping on Behance  || Curated with love by yogadaily) 

[lanejose4884]

The Ideal Yoga Bra: A Harmonious Blend of Support, Comfort, and Style

A harmonious blend of style and functionality, the perfect yoga bra provides ample support without sacrificing comfort. Its breathable materials and flattering design make it ideal for both intense sessions and casual wear. https://www.bloglovin.com/@alanicglobal/ideal-yoga-bra-a-harmonious-blend-support

[fitnessfuelhub]

Elevate Your Wellness Routine with Ayurvedic Skincare and Holistic Practices

In today’s fast-paced world, especially in bustling cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, New Jersey, Dallas, Seattle, and San Diego, finding time for self-care can be challenging. However, integrating Ayurvedic practices into your daily routine can provide profound benefits for both your body and mind. For more information please visit: https://fitnessfuelhub.com/elevate-your-wellness-routine-with-ayurvedic-skincare-and-holistic-practices/

[goddesscalling]

Ticket Sales End Soon!!!

Grab yours on Eventbrite now and secure your spot for a sublime Sunday evening Sound Journey with CoralMegana Sound Healing!!!

[waqarfaizsufimeditation]

Waqar Faiz Sufi Meditation in Chicago, IL

Experience the depths of your heart at our next session of Waqar Faiz Sufi Meditation in Chicago, IL.  

Register for free at www.sufimeditation.com and join us for an enlightening experience. 

Explore practical spiritual teachings encompassing mindfulness, self-awareness, compassion, and more. 

Engage in meditation, followed by discussion and community time. 

This event is open to all seeking soulful exploration, stress relief, personal growth, and inner peace. Whether you're navigating challenging times or simply seeking happiness and wisdom, this event is for you. 

For any inquiries, call or text (713-679-9873). We can't wait to see you!

3946 North Southport Avenue Chicago, IL 60613

[sanavitastudio]

Stretch, Strengthen, Sustain: The Pillars of Pilates and Yoga

Welcome, dear readers, to a journey of self-discovery and holistic well-being through the transformative practices of Pilates and Yoga. In a world that often moves at a relentless pace, finding balance and harmony within ourselves becomes paramount. Today, let's explore the pillars of Pilates and Yoga – the dynamic duo that not only stretches and strengthens our bodies but also sustains our overall health and vitality.

The Foundation: Pilates & Yoga Studios

In the bustling city of Chicago, where life moves fast and schedules can be demanding, the sanctuary of a Pilates & Yoga studio becomes a haven for those seeking solace and rejuvenation. These studios are not just spaces; they are vibrant communities that foster a sense of belonging and wellness.

Why a Pilates & Yoga Studio?

Professional Guidance: Trained instructors lead sessions with precision, ensuring you maximize the benefits of each exercise.

Community Support: Fellow practitioners create a supportive environment, inspiring each other to push boundaries and reach new heights.

Varied Sessions: From serene Yoga to dynamic Pilates, studios offer a diverse range of sessions catering to different needs and preferences.

Pillar 1: Stretch - Reaching Beyond Limits

The Art of Stretching

Stretching in both Pilates and Yoga is not just about reaching for your toes; it's a journey inward, a path to unlock hidden potential and flexibility.

Pilates for Precision: Pilates sessions focus on controlled movements, emphasizing lengthening and stretching of muscles. The reformer, a key Pilates apparatus, aids in targeted stretching for specific muscle groups.

Yoga's Flowing Asanas: In the realm of Yoga, the art of stretching is embodied in the graceful flow of asanas. From Downward Dog to Warrior poses, each asana is a testament to the body's capacity to extend and expand.

Benefits of Stretching

Improved Flexibility: Regular stretching enhances joint mobility and flexibility, reducing the risk of injuries.

Mind-Body Connection: The meditative aspect of stretching in Yoga fosters a deep connection between the mind and body, promoting mindfulness.

Pillar 2: Strengthen - Building Resilience

The Power of Strength Training

Strength in Pilates and Yoga goes beyond bulging muscles; it's about building a resilient foundation that supports daily activities and promotes longevity.

Core-Centric Pilates: Pilates is renowned for its emphasis on core strength. A strong core stabilizes the body and improves posture, creating a foundation for overall strength.

Yoga's Dynamic Poses: Yoga's diverse poses engage various muscle groups, fostering strength, balance, and endurance. From the strength-building Warrior poses to the stability-enhancing Tree pose, each asana contributes to overall body strength.

Benefits of Strength Training

Enhanced Posture: A strong core and well-toned muscles contribute to improved posture, reducing the risk of back pain.

Increased Energy: Strengthening exercises in both Pilates and Yoga stimulate the production of endorphins, leaving you energized and invigorated.

Pillar 3: Sustain - Nurturing Mind, Body & Spirit

The Holistic Approach

Sustainability is at the heart of Pilates and Yoga, transcending the physical aspects to encompass mental and spiritual well-being.

Mindfulness in Pilates: Pilates encourages a mindful approach to movement, fostering an awareness of breath and body. This mindfulness extends beyond the studio, promoting a balanced lifestyle.

Yoga's Mind-Body Harmony: Yoga, with its roots in ancient philosophy, aims to create harmony between mind, body, and spirit. Through meditation and breath control, Yoga nurtures a sustainable sense of well-being.

Benefits of Holistic Wellness

Stress Reduction: Mindful practices in both Pilates and Yoga help alleviate stress, promoting mental clarity and emotional balance.

Long-Term Health: The sustainable approach of Pilates and Yoga contributes to long-term health, supporting a vibrant and active lifestyle.

Embracing the Journey

As I navigate the vibrant world of Pilates and Yoga in Chicago, each session at the Pilates & Yoga studio becomes a stepping stone in my personal journey toward a healthier, more balanced life. The intertwining of stretch, strengthen, and sustain creates a roadmap for self-discovery, inviting practitioners to embrace their own unique path.

In the heart of Chicago, where the urban rhythm can be overwhelming, the studio becomes a sanctuary, a place where I reconnect with my inner self, leaving behind the chaos of the external world. The guidance of skilled instructors, the camaraderie of fellow practitioners, and the transformative power of Pilates and Yoga create a tapestry of wellness that extends far beyond the physical.

Conclusion

In the bustling cityscape of Chicago, the pillars of Pilates and Yoga stand tall, offering a sanctuary for those seeking balance and vitality. As we stretch, strengthen, and sustain, we embark on a journey of self-discovery that transcends the confines of a studio. The holistic approach of these practices, combined with the supportive community of a Pilates & Yoga studio, becomes a blueprint for a healthier, more fulfilling life.

So, whether you're a seasoned practitioner or a newcomer to the world of Pilates and Yoga, step onto the mat, embrace the stretch, feel the strength, and nurture the sustainability that these practices offer. In the heart of Chicago, let the harmony of Pilates and Yoga guide you toward a life where balance becomes not just a goal but a way of being.

[hokagetenzo]

[chicagognosis]

Amidst the complexities and difficulties of life is a simple truth: every action produces related consequences. While true in physics, this dynamic is even more profound in relation to our behaviors, mindset, social interactions, and psychology. See how to affect genuine spiritual change through an introduction to five mystical principles, described in the East as karma and in the West as the divine law. Learn also of common pitfalls, antidotes, and anecdotes for lasting personal transformation, as well as how inspired action can produce the longed for changes we seek in our daily lives.

[prenatalfit]

Ultimate Destination for Prenatal Yoga, Massage, and Pilates in Chicago

PrenatalFit stands out as a beacon of wellness for expecting mothers in the vibrant city of Chicago. By combining expert-led prenatal yoga, therapeutic massage, and pilates, PrenatalFit not only addresses the physical demands of pregnancy but also fosters a nurturing environment for the mind and spirit. For those embarking on the beautiful journey of motherhood, PrenatalFit emerges as the ultimate destination for a harmonious and enriching prenatal experience. https://medium.com/@prenatalf/ultimate-destination-for-prenatal-yoga-massage-and-pilates-in-chicago-895d1741b2f9

[ayogikitchen]

Happy Tuesday!

Happy Tuesday! More Tuesday love, cause it just doesn’t get enough. We dropped everything and came to to Chicago in June to help care for my mother after her stroke. Now, instead of opening the back door to let Xander out, we walk daily, several times a day. I have released the guilt around not giving him enough walks, cause when it’s hot out I don’t even go to the backyard with him. I open…

[lanejose4884]

The Ideal Yoga Bra: A Harmonious Blend of Support, Comfort, and Style

A perfect yoga bra blends support, comfort, and style, featuring soft fabrics, adjustable straps, and a sleek design for seamless workouts. https://www.bloglovin.com/@alanicglobal/ideal-yoga-bra-a-harmonious-blend-support

[thecapricunt1616]

Carmy X Nervous about a home birth

Let’s be so real here. If you told Carmy you wanted a home-birth - his first reaction would be 😦😰 - because with his mommy issues, the only way he feels as if he’s being a ‘good husband’ is if he is giving in to your every single need, and desire as a partner - and even more as the mother of his baby. But Mike, Nat, and Carm were born in a hospital - so the idea of not being around 40 doctors freaks him THE HELL out, but his Queen gets what she asks without a single question -- So of course his answer is ;

“However you think little bear wants to be brought into the world, Angel. I’ll get the best damn doula and midwife Chicago has to offer, hmm?” 

As he’s rubbing lotion into your swollen 5 month belly and giving it sweet gentle kisses. Whispering to your adorable bump and resting his ear to it, whispering “shhh- wait I think I heard them move!!” All excited, even if it was just the grumbles of your hungry pregnant tummy, he probably knew that, but had such high hopes for his little. 

(More BTC ❤️)

I genuinely think that Carmy would hold pregnancy and birth so close to his heart, because he would see it as the one single thing he literally could never provide - so the fact that you so willingly and openly offered your body, no matter the dangers it came with - to bare his child? He can hardly believe it and it makes him teary eyed every time he talks about your pregnancy because of the sacrifice he sees you making each and every second of every single day you’re carrying your little love to delivery. He can’t say

‘thank you’

and ‘I love you’ 

and ‘you are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting’ enough throughout those 43 long and a lot of time grueling weeks of pregnancy as a first time mommy, making sure you knew and undertood jut how grateful and amazed he was with your body and mental perserverance. 

When the time came - holy shit. When you woke him up? At around 2:40AM poking his ribs being like “Bear?!!” While wincing at your very much more painful then Braxton hicks contractions. He just gave you a lazy-ass ‘mmmph’ 

But as soon as you said “He’s coming, like- today- like now, Bear, he's really actually coming” he leaps into action.

He grabs his phone off the charger with quickness, rushes into the living room of your 3 bed house- holding his phone to his ear with his shoulder as he sprints through your yard in nothing but boxer briefs, hauling the long ass garden hose he bought exactly for this through the window as the phone continues to ring.

When it goes to voicemail? He’s PANICKING !! He’s whisper shouting into the mic 

“SHES IN LABOR. THIS IS CARMY FUCKIN BEAR. DO YOU HEAR ME??? THIS KID IS ON HIS FUCKIN WAY OUT. GET YOUR ASS HERE DO I PAY YOU TO NOT ANSWER ME? FUCKIN'HELL!!!!”

Hes rapidly hanging up and calling again over and over as he chucks wet washcloths in the freezer and drops to his knees in front of the couch trying to fill the birthing yoga ball with the pump as fast as he can. The midwife answers and is like 

“SHE BETTER BE FUCKING CROWNING ARE YOU STUPID MY RINGTONE WAS SCREAMING THE ENTIRE TIME THIS BABY WAS BEING DEL-“

and Carmy is like

“NOW. NOW. NOW. SHE SAYS SHES 8 MINUTES APART. GET YOUR ASS HERE. NOW. WHAT THE FUCK DO I PAY YOU FOR, LINDA??”  as he’s throwing the electric pump to the side out of frustration and using a fucking bike pump to fill your yoga ball so you could bounce on it like all the labor books said.

Meanwhile you’re in the bedroom, groaning and moaning, just absolutely miserable. Hearing your husband shouting at your doula before calling the midwife and saying 

“What the fuck do I do, Sara?! Sara she’s- she’s nearly fucking crying!! What do I- oh. Ok. Ok. Yup. Heard. Heard. Ok. Mmhmm- ok. Promise? Ok. See you then” and he’s right back in your room, rubbing your back as you contract and groan just whispering as he massages your pressure points to help get the baby down that he learned in birthing class, cooing 

“That’s it- mmhmm- good girl, let it all out beautiful, I know it hurts- but You’re doing such a good job with y’breathing princess. I’m gonna put this cold cloth on your forehead, yeah? It’ll help you feel nice and cool, and relaxed, pretty girl” like he explains every single thing he’s doing, before he does it. 

Whenever you have an extra big contraction, he's grunting with you and easing you through it like they taught him in the classes, adding the pressure to your back to counteract the incredible pain you felt every single time it washed over you whining and sobbing to Carmys chest "I- I can't- oh god- Bear, somethings wrong!!! Hurts so bad, so fucking bad- please!! Please let me I need to go to the hospital!! Somethings wrong B-Bear! This pain c-can't be normal"

He shook his head and rubbed your back soothingly, telling you the whole time to listen to him talk, and how it hurts so bad, and joking 'f'course my son would give his mommy a hard time huh? Sug said the same thing, Berzatto kids are brutal. Shoulda told you before I got you knocked up, huh?" his forehead rested on yours and rubbing your spasming back muscles soothingly.

“That was a big one huh? That means he should be coming soon huh? My strong beautiful angel - you’re almost there princess- a few more pushes and he’s gonna be in our arms. You’re so fucking amazing-“ he encourages, gently rubbing your belly that had dropped lower then you'd ever seen. You were on your knees in the bath, forehead to forehead with Carm. He carefully sat in front of you on his own knees.

"Alright one more- alright? Just one big push, yeah?" he echos your midwife, ever so carefully letting your belly go and resting his hands below to catch his little guy. You look at him nervously, sniffling and whimpering nervously.

"Wh-what if I can't, Carm? What if hes t-too big or- or-" he cuts you off by kissing your lips lovingly.

"You, You? Baby? Shhhh, shush, princess- Listen t'me- you're made f'this, mm? You're the strongest woman i've ever met. So focus, focus, princess. Listen t'my voice. I'll count you out, baby. Only 10 seconds ok? Push as hard as you can, ready?"

He sticks his hands in the water, cradling you close and kissing your cheek and temple and contains for you through the energy sucking push. When you rest back, second 5, sobbing

“I- I can’t do it- he feels stuck- I can’t do it Carm, i'm so sorry. I failed us. I’m sorry I failed our baby” 

And he’s just shushing you into your skin, 

“Shhhhh, shhhhhh- let’s breathe, mm? Together. It’s just you, an’me. Ok? Don’t even think about him, princess. They told us, as long as you breathe he's gonna come out, easy as pie, hmm? So let’s breathe, yeah? Princess? Breathe him out, just in, and out, force all that air out as hard as you can like they taught us, remember baby? see-” he holds your hands, kissing them and demonstrating big grunting strong breaths for you to copy and of course you did. 

When it got to the point your contractions were a minute apart, Thanks to him, in 2 more big grunting pushes your little boy was born. When you were in transition Carmy sat outside the pool, knelt and pressed forehead to forehead, whispering to you through every contraction how your little boy was almost here, and how he could never repay you ever for the gift that was his birth.

By the time you were begging on your knees in the bath to stop pushing because it was "too hard" , Carmy knew from what they explained in birthing class that meant -- it was time.

So he coaxed you through three more huge pushes. Even though you told him each time ‘I can’t do it, please, Bear. He’s not ready- I can’t.” But he rubbed your back and told you how amazing you were and to just try, and assured that if your little man wasn’t ready they’d send you home, and that he was right there ready to catch your son and lift him on to your chest.

And after your third other worldly push, you couldn’t even put in to words, the amount of energy it took out of you. It was harder then you’d ever pushed in your life for anything. - but of course the little guy was scream wailing just like any other Berzatto would. 

You couldn’t stop choke sobbing as the baby wailed and Carmy kept muttering ‘you did it! You fuckin’ did it, princess. He’s so beautiful. Look at him! He’s perfect. 10 fingers 10 toes- hear those lungs, angel? He’s perfect” as he rested the pretty little cub on your chest.

You would just look at him amazed, by instinct guiding him to your breast to pacify him and watching as the nurses usher Carmy out of the way and you would reach out, hooking your hands together so he couldn't get too far away.

“Alright Momma! Congrats, now let’s deliver this placenta in 3 pushes that’s the magic number. So when I say 3 you’ll- oop!” The nurses gasp as they look down “lucky! You’re lucky! Alright mommy never mind. No tears, and your body went ahead and did that work for ya! Alright momma, here we go here’s your placenta” the nurse pulls it out of the water and you nearly gag at the look of it 

“Get that thing away from my baby! Keep it in the bowl!” You demand, holding him to your skin and cradling his head, you had told yourself you would do a delayed cord cutting, but you in no way wanted your baby to be next to that... thing - it just freaked you out.

“that is nasty! Disgusting” you sniffle, looking back at your little angel who was peacefully suckling off your breast. 

“Oh- sweetheart” one of the nurses giggles, putting it in a biohazard bag. “Are you sure- didn’t you say your baby’s father is a chef? Sweetheart, this will boost your milk production - it’s giving you all the vitamins you lost while pregnant. Are you sure?” 

*cut to Carmy actually gagging at the nurses American horror story ass tactics while you're like 'what am i, a CAT?!??!"

And the nurse is like “BABY!! Every other animal does it!! You said holistic is best!!! Alright I guess I'll toss it if it bugs you that much..” 

[richarlotte]

more things you swear by?

Japanese Lingerie.

I swear by Japanese lingerie, especially if you love detailed sets. My body doesn’t suit American-made lingerie now that I’ve lost so much weight, and I learned about Japanese lingerie from r/abrathatfits on my journey to find what suited me. The bras are forward projecting and give me a much better side view. I love buying matching lingerie sets, and the sets I usually go for are lacy and intricate; they’re incredibly well priced for the quality they are, and they fit me the way I like my sets to fit me. Buying lingerie is extremely feminine to me, and I love finding sets that complement my body. I’m still not as secure in my new body as I’d like to be, and good lingerie makes me feel beautiful again.

French Tips.

French tips are my go-to. They look good, they’re low maintenance, they’re universally acceptable, and they look clean. When done right, they make my hands look longer and thinner than they are, and I love that with a thinner white line, they look and feel delicate. I mostly do French mani-pedis; it’s a habit I got into when I first went to Chicago, and it’s served me well, so I doubt I’ll ever stray from it. The nail salon combo is widely accepted to be DND865 and DND473, and I do an acrylic overlay on top of my natural nails, keep an oval shape, and request a thin tip if I’m not doing BIAB again. I won’t get into the acrylic vs. BIAB debate at the moment, but I will say that when properly done, BIAB looks amazing, is better for helping you retain length, and it lasts longer than acrylic while looking better.

Classic Makeup and Flicky Layered Hair.

I love styling my hair and doing my makeup; it’s like a reward for waking up in the morning. I get to sit down, make myself pretty, and enjoy the entire process. I figured it was time to update my skincare and makeup routines once again, so I took the time to start watching makeup tutorials (Uma Jammeh, amazing) and using what products I already have to adapt certain looks to my face. As for hair, I’m obsessed with Sarmadina de Beaute as of late and layers. I think my hair looks best with heavy, flicky layers (Remington curls) if I don’t have the time to do a blowout, and I’ve really embraced the process of both finding styling inspiration and actually doing my hair. I found my ultimate inspiration the other day, ordered hair immediately, and cut and styled one of my synthetic wigs to get the look in the interim, and I’m smitten.

Minimal Jewelry.

I’ve always worn minimal jewelry; I’m a major fan of Cartier, and I’ve curated a small collection that I wear nearly every day. I love accessorizing, but I don’t like wearing a million things that have no meaning; I prefer to only wear things I love or things that have a story behind them. Gold is my metal and diamonds are my jewel. I prefer this combo over all of the other combos I’ve seen or worn before, but I also occasionally wear mother of pearl when the time is right. I dislike being weighed down by poorly made pieces; I think jewelry can be used as a statement (when needed), and putting thought into what I wear and what I want my jewelry to say has saved me a lot of misery. With the exception of my charm necklace or lavaliere necklace, I try to wear the same sets every day.

Lymphatic Massages and Red Light Therapy.

Now that it’s November and the weather is soon to turn cold again, I’m much more focused on cardio and my diet. Because I’ve filled my weekday mornings with Pilates and my afternoons with the elliptical and stairmaster, I’ve added lymphatic drainage massages and red light therapy to my weekend schedule. I’ll be in Europe, on the slopes, in the freezing cold for the majority of my winter break, and I’m preparing for that now. Lymphatic massages are a lifesaver for me, especially during allergy season, and full-body red light therapy is just an additional benefit. I’ve also switched from studio yoga to hot yoga and from the steam room back to the sauna, stopped drinking coffee, and really started focusing on increasing my flexibility.

Tinting, Tanning, and Toning.

I love having dark skin already, but I do tend to go wild with the self-tanning in the winter. In my mind, there’s nothing more beautiful than dark skin against white snow, and the darker I am, the better I look. I grew up being told that I was too dark, but I’ve embraced it. I’m proud of my skin, and I love the richness of it, and I use tanner as a way to cover up the scarring on my body and contour my face. As for tinting, I tint my brows and lashes darker than I normally would in the colder months because they don’t turn over or fade as quickly. I never ever tint my eyebrows jet black; that color is far too harsh for my face, and I can’t pull it off at all. I use the darkest brown on my brows and jet black on my lashes. When it comes to toning, I spray my entire body with the Ordinary’s glycolic acid and let it dry after showering for the best results. I swear by it for clearing body acne and preventing any body odor.

It’s similar but different.