Tuesday - March 19, 2024
OnDenver.com - Your One Stop Site For Everything Denver!

Articles Written By AmandaCruz

 

Why Every Yogi Should Establish A Daily Morning Practice: 5 Undeniable Truths

July 4th, 2021

Very few believe me when I say that I wake up at 5 am each morning to practice yoga. But it’s true. When the alarm sounds, I slowly wake for a couple minutes, drink a glass of water, and then hop onto my mat. I do this with intention, for very specific reasons. Sure, I enjoy going to yoga studios, and still do. Yet my at-home practice is my saving grace. It sets me up for success in the long run for everything that I seek to accomplish. Here’s why: IT CULTIVATES DISCIPLINE AND POSITIVE HABITS Discipline is an art form in and of itself. As with anything worthwhile, it’s difficult at the start.... Read More

Calming the Inner Storm: A 20-Minute Meditation for Reduced Stress

July 3rd, 2021

I was already up the mountain when it hit. Out of nowhere, it came rushing in—dark, gray, ominous clouds. At first, I was hopeful that it would all blow over quickly so that I might enjoy my rendezvous longer. It was noon, and based on my earlier report, the storm wouldn’t approach until 3 pm. But alas, what was now boiling up in the sky was here to stay, and at the first flash of white, I knew I had to get down the mountain to safety. No sense in remaining at what was close to being the highest point. No point in being stagnant. It was either stay or leave, so I retrieved my pack and descended... Read More

New To Yoga? A 3-Step Beginner’s Guide For Starting Out

July 2nd, 2021

  I remember the first time I unrolled a yoga mat. I was eighteen years old, shy, and slightly terrified. This feeling is not uncommon. In fact, it’s quite normal when tackling unfamiliar territory of any kind. Yoga, as a discipline, is made up of several unique layers, with Asana (physical postures) being one of, if not the most popular (alongside meditation: Dhyana). As a multifaceted practice, it may feel overwhelming to know where to begin if you’re a new student. What approach do you take first in order to reap benefits in the long run without hindrance? For the purposes of introducing... Read More

Colorado Yoga Teacher Spotlight: Meet Brett Mehlman

June 27th, 2021

It’s 6 a.m., and slivers of sunlight peep through the large, elongated windows of Brett Mehlman’s Denver-based studio apartment, greeting him as he begins his morning. A fresh glass of water is the first thing on his mind, followed by a guided meditation. As a busy yoga instructor, an established morning ritual is key for Brett. Preparing for his first client of the day, he concocts a blend of ginger, turmeric, black pepper, and skullcap for tea. “The trick here, is to add coconut milk,” he says with a grin, walking across the plant-lined floor to the kitchen cupboard. “Coconut milk... Read More

Get Your Yoga On: 6 Budgeting Tips For An Aspen Yoga-Nature Staycation

October 11th, 2019

  I firmly believe that nature is medicine. There is nothing more rejuvenating than unplugging from the world for a few hours, sifting through trees and allowing silence to be your personal tour guide. What is now commonly referred to as forest bathing, the act of immersing yourself in nature while simultaneously being present to your surroundings, can be a moving meditation in and of itself, much like yoga. In fact, both practices strongly correlate with one another. Practicing yoga or meditating out in dense wilderness reaps positive therapeutic benefits. Imagine hiking through the mountains... Read More

Get Better Sleep With Restorative Yoga: A Simple 3-Step Routine

September 13th, 2019

The weather is cooler, and the days are getting shorter which means that melatonin will kick in earlier. However, if you’re a busy, multitasking individual with an overactive mind (likely most of us), getting adequate sleep at a decent hour can seem like a difficult, near-impossible endeavor. This is where restorative yoga comes into play. There are many different types of yoga, and it’s about time this particular style gets its due. You don’t have to constantly be sweating in a heated room to reap the same benefits that a more static practice has to offer—calmness, reduced stress,... Read More

National Yoga Month: 7 Unique Colorado Yoga Gatherings For Playful Exploration

September 3rd, 2019

September is known as National Yoga Month. All throughout the Boulder-Denver areas, there will be several yoga-related activities taking place within the next few weeks. If you’re looking to add extra flare to your already-existing practice or didn’t get the opportunity to participate in any yoga-music festivals this summer, not to worry! There’s still time to partake in some truly exceptional yoga gatherings scattered across the Front Range. Enhance and celebrate your practice with friends, family, and fellow yogis at one of these upcoming events. VINYASA AND VINO Date: September 6th Location:... Read More

Yoga For Snowboarding: 6 Poses To Prep You For Winter Riding

August 25th, 2019

  It’s almost that time of year. Tiny hints of autumn are already in the air. With cooler weather on its way, so is the (hopeful) promise of a strong snow season. I say this with great enthusiasm;  I’m a snowboarder. Winter sports are my favorite, and nothing complements my yoga practice more than strapping into bindings and cutting through moguls like butter. A moving meditation in and of itself, snowboarding is a great activity for building patience and resilience. It goes hand-in-hand with yoga in terms of physical endurance. If you’ve already establish a strong yoga practice, snowboarding... Read More

Yoga On The Rocks: Take Your Practice To The Next Level

August 16th, 2019

They stand, side by side, towering 300 feet over practitioners below. The iconic red sandstone walls ricocheting sound from the front of the stage where the DJ is playing, as more than 2,000 people raise their hands above their heads before bowing to fold forward. With the early morning sun rising, slowly warming the amphitheater, students eagerly follow commands from the instructor—the conductor of the experience. “Inhale to upward dog, exhale to downward dog. Step to the front of the mat. Inhale to halfway lift, exhale to fold. Repeat.” It’s a steady mixture of sweat, breathing, and movement.... Read More

ARISE: A Transformative Colorado Festival of Yoga and Music

August 9th, 2019

Community and healing: those are the words that come to mind when partaking in your first yoga-music festival. For anybody that’s been to ARISE before, they’ll likely know what I’m talking about. Nestled between the rolling green foothills of Loveland, Colorado is Sunrise Ranch—an ideal location for an event such as this. Whether you come predominately for the yoga or the music alone, you’ll get a wide variety in both realms. From folk, funk, and electronic to vinyasa flow and AcroYoga, there’s a plethora of activities to choose from over the course of three days. What’s unique... Read More