Author: Laura

No comments

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE (YOGA) THINGS!

  By ,

We all have some favorite yoga things that we cannot live without.

As a yoga teacher, I have a few extras that the average student probably isn’t hauling around: business cards, a QR code to my latest retreat (Vino & Vinyasa on January 27th, 2024), and an iPad for my yoga class notes and music.

But some of the other things I’ve got rolling around in there are indispensable for every yogi.

*Check out the links to my faves in the sidebar 👉

Favorite First

Actually, it’s my bag itself. The Uhawi Yoga Mat Tote is pretty awesome. I primarily love it because it is BIG! I carry around a lot of stuff and I can fit it all in there without too much difficulty. This is a big deal to me since I have gone through several yoga bags already. I just couldn’t get it all in! Or if I did it was a wrestling match to get there.

It comes in a few colors – black, grey, blue, and purple. So you have choices! It may not be as “cute” as some of my past bags, but seriously, the functionality beats the form on this one.

Second Favorite

I LOVE MY MAT! I am obsessed! My Manduka Pro mat is ahhhh-mazing. I have been through quite a few mats and this one truly is the end all be all, IMHO.

I’ve bought the $8-$12 mats at a discount store. Notice I said mats, plural. You get what you pay for. Lots of cute designs BUT no longevity! The mats flaked and stretched out. Additionally, they didn’t really have enough cushion for my joints.

Next up, I tried mats with more cushion. The problem was too much cushion. There wasn’t enough stability in balance poses and they were too stretchy. My down dog turned into a plank without me moving a muscle.

Then I got serious and got my first Manduka Pro. They are not inexpensive ($100+). BUT they have a lifetime guarantee. So if you add up what you would spend on the inexpensive mats, you will pretty quickly surpass the cost of a Manduka mat.

To make it even better, they are made to give high-density cushion. Ultra-dense, 6 mm cushioning provides superior support, stability, and joint protection, along with comfort on any surface. This does make them a bit heavier than the average mat.

Plus they are responsibly made. Each mat is meticulously handmade in an emissions-free German facility with 100% latex-free PVC that has been certified STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX.

I now have had 2 of these mats for 8+ years – and they still look and perform like new.

Fave #3

The number 3 spot goes to my cork Gaiam yoga blocks.

One of the number one reasons people give for not trying yoga is that they are not flexible enough. Answer: BLOCKS! They remove that excuse because they allow you to safely reach the floor and maintain proper alignment.

I believe blocks should be a non-negotiable in your practice. They bring the floor closer to you. Blocks allow you to begin to master positions that you might otherwise compromise your safety to achieve. You can start with the block in its tallest position and gradually work your way to lower positions. Eventually, you may be able to reach without the block!

I chose cork blocks even though they are a bit heavy to lug around. The heaviness speaks to their stability, something I feel is a bit lacking in a foam block. I will admit, foam is a little more comfortable if you are lying on the block though.

Final Favorite

Last but not least is my yoga strap. I like to think of them as making my arms longer.

Similar to your blocks, the strap allows you to reach without jeopardizing your form. You get assistance in a stretch or a position. Over time, you will be able to increase your flexibility in that position.

I don’t have a specific brand that I am hooked on; any will usually do the trick. You can even use your towel in some cases. You just need something you can wrap around the area you are trying to reach, like a foot or shin.

Favorites Thoughts

At the end of the day, the items you choose to include in your yoga repertoire may differ. These are the ones that I can’t do without.

Of course, your budget will come into play. Keep in mind, if you love yoga and practice frequently, VALUE and COST are two different things. If you buy items that don’t hold up over time, you may save a few dollars initially (cost) but spend more over time (value). You will want to weigh out what makes the most sense for you.

I would love to hear about some of your favorite items and/or brands. Let’s share the love with the rest of the LAYLO Shala! 💕

laylo yoga and wellness

P.S. Let’s be besties!! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest, and join the LAYLO Shala to get the latest news and insider goodies 😍

No comments

SOUND BATH SCIENCE

  By , ,

As the doors to our Vino & Vinyasa Retreat have opened, one of the first things people have questions about is the sound bath that is part of the retreat.

Sound baths, a unique experience gaining popularity for its potential to enhance well-being, is not a new practice. In fact sound has been used for centuries to move people, to soothe them, to stir them up, and even to irritate them!

Sound baths have a solid foundation in science. As we have learned more about how our brains work, we have been able to acutally observe the powerful effect that the sound bath can have on us. While you can check it out on YouTube, the best way to understand it is to experience it. But first, let’s explore the scientific aspects that make this practice more than just a melodic meditation.

What is a Sound Bath?

Imagine immersing yourself in a cocoon of soothing sounds, created by various instruments that may include singing bowls, gongs, and even tuning forks. That’s essentially what a sound bath entails – a therapeutic session where vibrations wash over you. The result is a calming and immersive auditory experience.

The Science of Vibration:

Now, let’s get down to why sound baths work. At the core of this practice is the science of vibration. Every instrument used in a sound bath produces vibrations that travel through the air and water, impacting the body at a cellular level. These vibrations can stimulate a relaxation response, helping to reduce stress and promote a sense of tranquility.

Brainwave Entrainment

One of the key scientific principles behind sound baths is brainwave entrainment. Our brains naturally synchronize with external stimuli, such as rhythmic sounds. The gentle, repetitive tones in a sound bath can guide your brainwaves into a more relaxed state. For some it is a similar feeling to the peacefulness experienced during meditation or deep relaxation exercises.

Binaural Beats Unveiled

Enter binaural beats, the unsung heroes of the sound bath experience. Binaural beats are the result of two slightly different frequencies played in each ear. This creates a third frequency, the binaural beat, perceived by the brain. Studies suggest that exposure to these beats can influence brainwave patterns, potentially inducing states of relaxation or focus.

The Brain’s Symphony

Our brains are complex orchestras of electrical activity, producing different types of brainwaves depending on our mental state. Binaural beats, when calibrated correctly, are thought to encourage the brain to synchronize with the desired frequency, leading to a range of effects from enhanced meditation to improved sleep.

Stress Reduction and Cortisol Levels

In our fast-paced lives, stress is a common companion. The soothing sounds of a sound bath can help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, the “rest and digest” response. This activation promotes a decrease in heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels – the notorious stress hormone.

Enhanced Mindfulness and Focus

Regular sound bath sessions may contribute to improved mindfulness and focus. As you immerse yourself in the harmonious sounds, the external distractions fade away. This may allow your mind to achieve a state of heightened awareness. This increased mindfulness can positively impact your ability to concentrate and remain present in the moment.

The Physical Benefits of a Sound Bath

Beyond the mental and emotional benefits, sound baths may have a positive effect on the physical body. Some enthusiasts report relief from tension, improved sleep, and a general sense of rejuvenation after a session. While individual experiences may vary, the overall impact on well-being is worth exploring.

This is just a brief glimpse into the scientific underpinnings of sound baths. Regardless of where you are on your wellness journey, incorporating sound baths might be the key to unlocking a more relaxed and balanced you. Give it a try, and let the vibrations guide you on your path to well-being.

laylo yoga and wellness

P.S. Let’s be besties!! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest, and join the LAYLO Shala to get the latest news and insider goodies 😍

No comments

DIGITAL DETOX AND MINDFUL LIVING IN THE DIGITAL AGE

  By , ,
digital detox

In our fast-paced, digital-driven world, finding moments of tranquility and mindfulness can be a challenge.

On the one hand, the digital landscape offers unprecedented opportunities for networking, productivity, and advancement. However, the line between connectivity and digital addiction can be thin, and the repercussions on personal well-being are significant.

Nonstop connectivity to our screens poses a myriad of dangers for people aiming to excel in their careers. The constant barrage of emails, notifications, and social media updates can lead to heightened stress levels, anxiety, and burnout. As career demands intensify, the temptation to stay plugged in 24/7 becomes more pronounced, jeopardizing not only mental health but also hindering the ability to unwind and recharge.

Detaching from email, text, video games, TV, smartphones, tablets, laptops, and computers periodically allows us to regain control over our lives, fostering a healthier work-life balance.

Finding that balance in our lives is more crucial to our well-being than ever before. Let’s explore the concept of digital detox and how incorporating mindfulness into our daily routines can lead to a more fulfilling and peaceful existence.

The Digital Dilemma

In an era dominated by smartphones, social media, and constant connectivity, it’s easy to become ensnared in the web of digital distractions. While technology has undoubtedly brought convenience and efficiency into our lives, it has also given rise to a new form of addiction—digital addiction. The incessant notifications, endless scrolling, and constant exposure to screens can take a toll on our mental and physical well-being.

The Need for Digital Detox

A digital detox involves consciously and temporarily disconnecting from digital devices to recalibrate and recenter ourselves. As a yoga student, you can think of it as a mental and emotional savasana—a conscious pause to rejuvenate the mind and soul. Here are some practical steps to initiate a digital detox:

1. Set Boundaries:

Establish specific times during the day when you’ll be device-free. This could be during meals, before bedtime, or during your yoga practice. Create sacred spaces where screens are not allowed.

2. Unplug from Social Media:

Consider taking a break from social media platforms. The constant comparison and information overload can contribute to stress and anxiety. Use this time to connect with real-life experiences and relationships.

3. Tech-Free Retreats:

Participate in tech-free retreats where individuals can immerse themselves in yoga, meditation, and nature without the interference of digital devices. This can be a transformative experience, fostering a deeper connection with oneself and others.

  • Mindful Technology Usage Workshops: A digital detox yoga retreat can incorporate workshops on mindful technology usage, empowering participants to establish healthy boundaries in their digital lives.
  • Yoga and Meditation Practices: Engaging in yoga and meditation sessions can help people develop mindfulness skills, allowing them to be present in the moment and reduce reliance on digital distractions.
  • Nature Immersion: Many yoga retreats are set in serene natural environments, offering a break from the digital hustle. Connecting with nature has been proven to reduce stress and promote overall well-being.
  • Community Support: Participating in a yoga retreat fosters a sense of community. Sharing experiences and challenges related to digital detox with like-minded individuals creates a supportive network that extends beyond the retreat.

How Do I Know If I Need a Break?

You may be experiencing the need to back off from tech in a more vague way – feeling overwhelmed or anxious after checking social media. Perhaps realizing you are picking up your phone every few minutes “just to check in”. Or maybe you feel a sense of panic at the thought leaving your phone behind.

Anytime you are looking to remove or limit something in your life, you need to replace it with something else, something more positive and with greater reward. If not, your brain wants to slip back into its familiar patterns.

Nature hates a vacuum!

The Rewards Are Many!

Turn your focus on how you will feel by limiting your digital usage:

  • Improved Mental Health: Constant exposure to screens has been linked to increased stress and anxiety. A digital detox provides an opportunity to reset, reduce mental clutter, and promote overall well-being.
  • Enhanced Productivity: Paradoxically, excessive digital engagement can diminish productivity. Unplugging allows for increased focus and concentration, enabling women to approach tasks with renewed energy and efficiency.
  • Strengthened Relationships: Building and maintaining meaningful connections with friends, family, and colleagues requires genuine, offline interactions. A digital detox allows people to invest time in nurturing these relationships, fostering a sense of connection and support.
  • Increased Creativity: Continuous exposure to digital stimuli can stifle creativity. Stepping away from screens encourages the mind to wander, fostering new ideas and perspectives that might be overlooked in the constant buzz of digital engagement.
  • Better Sleep: Turning off electronic devices a few hours before bed can dramatically improve your ability to fall asleep and have quality sleep.
  • More Time: Less time buried in your screen gives you back time during the day for the things that light you up! Maybe you love to paint, hike, read, cook – whatever makes you happy. Time away from your devices can deepen your joy and satisfaction in life. You can reinvest that time in the things that are about YOU.

Mindful Living in the Digital Age

Mindfulness is at the heart of yoga philosophy, and bringing this awareness into our digital lives can have profound effects. Here’s how you can infuse mindfulness into your daily routine:

1. Conscious Consumption:

Be mindful of the content you consume online. Choose information that uplifts and inspires rather than drains your energy. Unfollow accounts that promote negativity.

2. Tech-Free Yoga Practice:

Designate a specific space for your yoga practice that is free from digital distractions. This sacred space will allow you to immerse yourself fully in the present moment, enhancing the benefits of your practice.

3. Digital Mindfulness Techniques:

Incorporate mindfulness techniques into your digital activities. Practice conscious breathing while responding to emails or take short breaks for mindful stretches during prolonged screen time.

Your Wellbeing Matters!

I encourage you to embrace the concept of digital detox and mindful living. By finding a balance between the digital world and the present moment, we can cultivate a more harmonious and fulfilling life.

Remember, it’s not about completely shunning technology but about using it consciously to enhance, rather than detract from, our overall well-being. So, unplug, unwind, and embark on a journey of digital detox and mindful living—one breath at a time.

P.S. Let’s be besties!! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest, and join the LAYLO Shala to get the latest news and insider goodies 😍

No comments

THE POWER OF A ONE DAY YOGA RETREAT

  By , ,

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to forget to take a moment for ourselves. We are constantly juggling work, family, and countless responsibilities, often neglecting our well-being.

The truth is, we all need a break, a chance to recharge and refocus, regardless of our age.

That’s where a one-day yoga retreat comes into play. It’s the perfect opportunity to step away from the chaos and immerse yourself in a day of self-care, mindfulness, and rejuvenation.

How a one day yoga retreat can help

Reconnect with yourself

Life’s demands can pull us in various directions, leaving us feeling disconnected from our inner selves. A one-day yoga retreat offers a valuable opportunity to reconnect with your mind, body, and spirit.

Through a series of yoga sessions, meditation, and mindful practices, you can rediscover balance within you.

Release stress and tension

Stress is a constant companion in today’s fast-paced world. A yoga retreat provides a serene environment where you can leave the worries of everyday life behind. The practice of yoga and meditation helps release built-up tension, promoting relaxation and mental clarity.

Enhance physical well-being

Yoga is a powerful tool for improving physical health. During your one-day retreat, you’ll engage in yoga poses that can increase flexibility, strength, and balance. These practices benefit people of all ages by promoting overall well-being and helping to maintain a healthy body.

Nourish your mind

Mental well-being is just as important as physical health. Through guided meditation and mindfulness exercises, a yoga retreat allows you to nourish your mind. It helps reduce anxiety, improve focus, and cultivate a positive outlook on life.

Connect with like-minded people

One of the beautiful aspects of a one-day yoga retreat is the opportunity to connect with other people who share a passion for health and well-being. It’s a supportive environment where you can make new friends and share experiences.

Take a day for yourself

In our busy lives, we often put the needs of others before our own. A one-day yoga retreat is a way to prioritize self-care. By dedicating a day to yourself, you send a powerful message that your well-being matters.

Vino & Vinyasa – more than class and sip!

While we may not always acknowledge it, we all need a break to rejuvenate and reconnect with our inner selves. A one-day yoga retreat provides the perfect opportunity to do just that, without the need for a lengthy commitment. It’s a day dedicated to self-care, stress relief, physical well-being, and personal growth, and it’s something everyone can benefit from, regardless of age.

Vino & Vinyasa is that “push pause” button on your crazy life. 2 yoga classes for all abilities, a full wine flight tasting, delicious charcuterie, connection with community, sound bath experience, and your own yogi swag bag!

So, take the plunge and give yourself the gift of a one-day yoga retreat. Your body, mind, and spirit will thank you.

P.S. Let’s be besties!! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest, and join the LAYLO Shala to get the latest news and insider goodies 😍

No comments

NO HEADSTANDS, PLEASE!

  By , ,

I promise I am not opposed to headstands. BUT, hear me out on this. As a yoga teacher, I don’t practice headstands. Or legs behind the head pose. Or scorpion pose. Any posture that requires advanced flexibility is not for me and I don’t teach them in my classes or on my retreats.

And that’s okay.

No. Really.

I believe yoga is for everyone.

That means each person can take it where they want to go. You may wish to continuously increase your flexibility and mobility. You may want to practice in advanced movement. I am happy to refer any of my students who are interested in those things to the right teachers for them.

There are so many facets to yoga, and so many ways you can approach it.

There is a lot of controversy around this philosophy. Many yoga teachers are yoga purists who feel that the practice is part of an overall spiritual journey. They aren’t too happy about yoga being a physical practice for some people. Or a social and community bonding experience. Or basically anything other than a full spiritual experience.

If your approach focuses on the physicality of advanced movement – go for it! Conversely, if you are seeking a spiritual path and yoga is part of that; awesome! If you aren’t quite sure what your approach is, find out by taking this quick quiz.

I want to participate in and create a different experience.

For me, yoga is about enhancing your life. Yes, creating the flexibility and mobility needed to continue to do things you want to do in your everyday life. Headstands, not so much a part of daily life.

I love the physicality of yoga! The strength I feel when I practice, the challenge of movement. In addition, I am really drawn to the mind/body connection it creates.

Look, if you read the series My Journey to Yoga Retreat Specialist, you also know that my entire career has been in the fitness industry. So it is natural for me to find focus in the physical action of yoga.

Fitness, for me, also created a strong mind/body connection. A hard ride in a cycle class really let me blow off some steam! The intricate movements and high cardio output of a good old-fashioned step class helped me appreciate how my body moves through space. And boxing? Please – talk about building a feeling of mental and physical strength!

Yoga takes that mind/body connection to the next level.

Literally.

Fitness is the broad strokes: blowing off steam, building spatial awareness, and increasing mental strength.

Yoga gets down to the cellular level. Connecting your brain to your breath so you can self-regulate your nervous system. Speeding up the messages from your foot to your brain so you can maintain balance. Finding awareness of your thoughts and learning to allow them to pass on by.

This is the juicy stuff people!

Focus on making your life better.

Just to reiterate, I think advanced poses are pretty cool. Many would argue that those postures really do enhance your life – greater control, overcoming your body’s objections, and some pretty impressive flexibility/mobility. I don’t doubt it.

My personal mission, though, is to meet people where they are.

My tribe are people in the midst of juggling kids, careers, aging parents, and their own aging bodies. The crowd that resonates with my style wants to slow down, master, and enjoy each posture. They want to leave their practice feeling calmer, stronger, and accomplished.

Life is pretty crazy for a lot of us. Our schedules are packed, our laptops are always on, and we have instant knowledge, connectivity, and comparison in our purses, buzzing for attention all day long.

Personally, I don’t want to add legs behind my head to my to do list.

Calm, peace, and improved sleep and mental health mean more to me.

Studies show that participants who practiced yoga three times a week for eight weeks reported significant reductions in depression, anxiety, and neurotic symptoms, as well as mood improvements at the end of each class.

Yes, please!

Stepping into an advanced class might be a turn-off.

Part of meeting people where they are, for me, is making classes accessible. If you have never taken a yoga class before, you will be able to get through mine! I teach every class as if there is a brand-new participant in the room. I teach to them.

Those that have been practicing for a while, are able to hone their skills and dig in a little deeper with each practice.

If you have mastered advanced movement? You can still benefit from reviewing some of the more basic postures AND you will have the opportunity to level up to where you are at with a pose at any time.

I’m not everybody’s cup of tea, but I am somebody’s double martini!

Every yoga teacher has their own style, approach, and focus. That is what makes it so incredible!

It is important that you: A) understand what YOUR approach is so you know what kind of teacher will resonate with you B) aren’t afraid to hunt around for the right fit and C) realize that your approach may broaden and/or change over time.

It’s all good!

P.S. Let’s be besties!! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest, and join the LAYLO Shala to get the latest news and insider goodies 😍

No comments

MY JOURNEY TO YOGA RETREAT SPECIALIST PART 4: I’VE ARRIVED!

  By

Here we are – Yoga Retreat Specialist!

It has been a long journey from Hairdresser to Retreat Specialist. Honestly, I wouldn’t trade any of it. Life is a journey, and a big part of it is discovering what YOUR why is and how you can best support that.

I discovered early on, as a hairdresser, that my why involved helping people feel good in their own skin. How they looked, how they felt about themselves, and how those things influenced their confidence. As a hairdresser, it was about having a great hair day every day. When I became a Fitness Instructor, it was/is about feeling strong and being able to do the things you wanted to do in life, without your fitness holding you back.

As my executive career wound down, it felt natural to turn to yoga as the next evolution of my life and career. It feels like a true merging of that external and internal world, with a healthy dose of mental and emotional connection thrown into the mix.

Retreats vs. Studio

After a lot of thought – and a number of business plans later – I decided to focus my efforts on providing yoga and wellness retreats.

Studio

While I love the idea of opening a studio, there were too many cons on my pros/cons list.

  • If the pandemic response taught me anything, it’s that your physical location could be shut down at any time. While some landlords worked with their tenants, others did not. I saw more than a few friends and colleagues lose their life’s work (and savings!) and have no real recompense for it.
  • A studio for me would need to be multi-purpose. I would want several different studios under one roof and that means $$$! A tremendous amount of funding and business partnerships would need to take place. At this point in life, I wanted to do things my way, and not answer to anyone else apart from my clients and members
  • Part of my vision for the future involves travel! I want to see as much of the world as I can before I leave it. That is more challenging when you are anchored in one spot by a physical space

Retreat Specialist

On the other hand, running retreats and being a yoga & wellness retreat specialist, did not have the same issues.

  • Retreats can go where the open zones are! No closures other than travel restrictions. Since you are not running a retreat every weekend, the business impact would be far less should something like the pandemic occur again
  • Retreats can each be focused on my areas of passion:
    • serving interested and newer yogis, to give them a great start in their practice
    • supporting people dealing with stress, anxiety, and/or trauma
    • finding space in our lives to disconnect from our ever-present devices and screens
    • creating community in our increasingly isolated world
  • Adventure through Yoga!! Retreats allow us to experience the joys of travel. We get to immerse ourselves in our surroundings in a deep, mindful way. Combining adventure and wellness – what could be better?

Let the adventures begin!

I hope you have enjoyed this peek into my life and career. It has not been a straight line and certainly has not been without some major obstacles and setbacks.

Every step of the way, I have learned some valuable lessons. I have been refined, sometimes by fire, in my understanding of what makes me tick.

Understanding myself has led me to know how important it is to me to serve others. I’ve learned so many important business lessons along the way.

And I know that this is the path I want to continue on. Retirement is not the end; it is the beginning!! I still have lessons to learn, things to discover, and, I am sure, more refinements to make. Retreat Specialist is just the start.

But I know I am on the right path for me.

Want to come along for the ride?

P.S. Let’s be besties!! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest, and join the LAYLO Shala to get the latest news and insider goodies 😍