Michael Johnson Workshop | Yogani | Tampa, FL

LOCATION: Easy drive into downtown Tampa once again—in one of my favorite locations, SOHO. I literally turned down the final street and there it was —great signage, near the street, easy to see. I learned from yesterday and looked up to see if they have free parking. Their contact page says in the back, but there were a few spots in the front—I grabbed one of those and didn't get towed (sweet!). There was the Gasparilla Children's Parade going on today, so they had extra signage (I saw when I was leaving) to direct yogis to free parking, which was very kind of them.

COST: $45—This is a workshop, so I paid online last week to save my spot. They had a beautiful set up that appeared to take credit cards. I assume cash is ok, not sure about checks. This was a full weekend of workshops with Michael, so I believe there was a discount if you signed up for multiple classes. 

STUDIO:  Yogani's space is HUGE! Grrr, I just realized I forgot to check out bathrooms again—to see how convenient it is for people to change. I decided I needed to add that information to the mix, because I normally show up in yoga clothes. But yesterday three ladies showed up in street clothes and changed in the back room—which made me wonder how the changing rooms were, was there enough space for three ladies back there, what's the bathroom like? You know, standard information to help you know the space better when you arrive—less confusion gives you more time to focus on yoga, right? So... sorry, I promise to do this in the future. I have another place to check out tomorrow, let's see if I remember! Anyway, back to the space: Huge entrance/foyer where the bathrooms are located, opens up to the check-in space with cubbies for your personal belongings, a yoga store, informational table, and check-in/register. To the right there were two practice spaces—the lunar room and the solar room (our workshop was in the lunar room), and I believe there were more spaces to the right and back. Amazing! When I walked in one of the instructors was talking to a yogi about their Bikram classes—but they seem to offer all sorts of yoga—best to check out their class descriptions. The lunar room was a large studio (with all props included, minus mats), the back wall was all mirrors (which, for me, was a great option since I'm not a fan of mirrors—but some are, so during a class they could still turn around to see their alignment... or say hello to themselves in a forward fold... ok, I may have done that—what?), there was something interesting happening around the edges with curtains, but they were pulled up—not sure what was going on there, in the center were different lanterns, and one side of the room had windows with shades on them to soften the sunshine coming in. The walls are all painted neutral—it was really a clean—but not sterile in the sense you still felt like it was home-y—and serene surroundings. 

CLASS DESCRIPTION: Compassion Meditation & Yin Yoga: Meditation is an essential key to happiness. In this relaxing workshop we will discuss some scientific studies that demonstrate how people who meditate 30 minutes a day not only live longer and get sick less often, but report having healthier relationships and a higher quality of life. We will also combine compassion meditation with yin yoga, which is a gentle method that targets connective tissues and the hidden rivers of energy that flow throughout our subtle body and mind. 

INSTRUCTOR: Michael Johnson: Since he can remember, Michael's parents were his first and perfect Teachers in this life. In a way, everyone he meets continues to teach him perfectly by being examples of both how and how not to live. Among the many teachers who continue to teach him, he has learned from Sri Swami Satchidananda, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, Sharon Gannon, David Life, Geshe Michael Roach, Lama Christie McNally, Lama Marut, Kimberley Theresa, and his beloved partner, Stephanie.

It is his honor, privilege, and hope to return the kindness that so many people have bestowed upon him, by teaching the highest practices of Yoga to all levels of practitioners... responsibly, joyfully, and in a way that will help others achieve their goals in this life and beyond. 

CONTACT: Clearlight

Part of the Happiness is a Skill series of workshops (Vinyasa Krama, Compassion Meditation & Yin Yoga, and two Jivamukti Yoga classes), I am so very grateful for the opportunity to take one of the workshops: Compassion Meditation & Yin Yoga. If I wasn't in Florida to spend time with my mother (which has been great, by the way)—I would have gone to all these classes. Michael was a breath of fresh air, to say the least.

It's another workshop where as I  describe the poses and timeline of what we did—it all reads silly. It was more about the community that forms in these spaces, the experience we're all sharing, the quality time spent with each other and such an amazing teacher who is kind enough to share his knowledge with us. But I'll attempt to bring you the story of our class, versus the facts.

Michael started with a little background on Compassion Meditation—defining compassion and how it is scientifically tangible thanks to our neurotransmitters (I know, we were getting all sorts of schooling, which I love). Because of that communication we get immune system boosts, better brain functions (decisions), and basically a better grasp on reality—as I see it—happiness. I did not know this... there are 100 million neurons in the small intestine. So when you have a "gut instinct"—there's a reason for it, your second brain is communicating with your first brain... and hopefully they're in agreement. If not... I suppose you barf. And that's sad.

There were and order to which you focus during this type of meditation:

• establish a sense of compassion with yourself 
• organically take that same feeling and show it towards the people you already love 
• then work out to people who you don't know—complete strangers 
• then to people you do know... but upset you (as he put it, your Holy Teachers in life)
• then to all at the same time

Michael said something along the lines at the end of class—when he was reviewing these five focuses to retraining the brain—thousands of years ago our ancestors would hear a noise in the brush and either get the heck out of there (survive) or not think anything of it (not survive). As a result we instantly take on paranoia in most situations. Or as what I'm constantly challenging myself not to do—assuming the worst in a situation. Then he said, "Why can't we treat every single person as if their our family? I mean, if you want to be literal, they are... at some point we have the same relative, if we go back far enough." It's definitely made me rethink how I interact with strangers, even more than normal.

For our Yin Yoga we did only a handful of (gentle) poses, but we held them anywhere from 5-8 minutes.

• Butterfly (Baddha Konasana or Bound Angle Pose) for five minutes
• Knees to Chest (Apanasana)—rock your knees back and forth—Michael called this hammock pose—for a few minutes to recover from the last pose 
• Pigeon Pose, on each side (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana) for five minutes 
• Windshield wipers for recovery from last pose—keep your feet on the floor though, no need to twist all the way over from side to side—you're just loosening up the hips. 
• Reclining Big Toe, on each side (Supta Padangusthasana)—straight up for five minutes, then open it out to its side for 40 seconds, then cross it over the other side for 40 seconds (keeping your hips connected to the ground)
• Legs up the Wall (Viparita Karani) for eight minutes—as Michael said, "I call this the Stairway to Heaven pose... and happen to know the perfect song that lasts for eight minutes." He walked around and tucked our blankets around our feet like a big sock—functioning the same as if you'd bind yourself with your strap, to keep the legs from falling apart. I have to add, this pose is regularly (as it was today) noted as one of the most beneficial poses for your body. 

Did I mention he would play guitar and sing to us while we held the poses? Oh I didn't? <smirk> What a talented man—I can't tell you how therapuetic it is to have live music going on while you relax your body into a pose. Complete bliss. And when he wasn't singing beautiful music, Michael would talk to us about different research results or ancient text or fascinating stories revolving around compassion. It was so inspiring. And we hold these poses for this long, because we're not relaxing the muscle (though we need that to happen first)—we're relaxing the fascia or connective tissue throughout the body.

One study—which I hope to find in one of the books he recommended to me after class (I had to read more of what he was telling us—I respond strongly to reading... I'm Ovo-Vegetarian thanks to The Kind Diet by Alicia Silverstone. These books may be just what I need to get off my lazy brain and do some meditation!)—what was I talking about? Oh yeah, the study I wrote down, because I liked it so much. There is research going on about heart communication. If you are within 10 feet radius of someone else... your hearts are communicating. Think quantum mechanics—as in ripples. Ok, how often do we just think in terms of quantum mechanics, sorry, lol. Actually I was watching this amazing series with my Uncle (hi Steve!) over the holidays called Through the Wormhole (may have to own this one). It talked a lot about how if quantum physics current studies are true—we basically need to throw out all science we grew up learning out the window. Insane. I'm all over the place today—sorry. So! We communicate through waves. It's like the other story he told: If you take a bunch of grandfather clocks and set their pendulums to rock at different times... in a short time, those that are close to one another will adjust and swing with one another. Ladies, you may be familiar with this when you have a group get together for a long period of time and your cycles all start to match up. This sort of communication happens with our hearts too. What an amazing way to connect with someone and not even know it. And if you spend quality time with someone... eventually your heart pendulums will sync up. Which makes my heart pendulum smile.

Another great tidbit he left passed on to us—was the class Tal Ben Shahar teaches at Harvard. Apparently the most popular class taught at Harvard in all its history. It's a positivity class, and there is a top five to being happy (easy, right?):

1. Accept Pain—it's going to happen, there's no avoiding it 
2. Stop Texting People When You're Having Dinner with Your Friends—aka, spend quality time with the people you interact with each day 
3. Thirty Minutes of Exercise Everyday—mental and physical 
4. Practice Gratitude
5. Do Less

I'll leave you with that—because that alone is an amazing lesson. If you have the opportunity to spend time with Michael Johnson, I highly recommend you take it. He oozes genuine kindness—enjoying his connection with every person he interacts with. It's incredible to watch. I had to chat with him after class, because I wanted to ask about these readings he was referencing. I, of course, dorked out... it's like talking to your favorite band after you watched them play. Just a nervous energy that makes me say stupid things... or not even think to just be normal and introduce myself. <blush> But he didn't miss a beat—asked my name, gave me the name of the books to read (first two in the list below, the others he mentioned during class), and wished me safe travels. Thank you Michael, namaste. 

People/Books Mentioned: 

Buddha's Brain by Rick Hanson
The Emotional Life of Your Brain by Richard Davidson (due out in March 2012)
The Grand Design by Stephen Hawking
Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
The Bhagavad Gita

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Yoga Downtown Tampa | Tampa, FL

Hello travel + yoga—I've missed you both so.

LOCATION: And GPS—I miss GPS too (mine broke, and I borrowed my mom's to get to yoga). This was an easy drive to downtown around the lunch hour (and this is the start of Gasparilla to boot). I just got off at the exit, took an immediate left and parked. I paid for street parking, but once I went in I realized they have a lot in the back—I guess you grab one of their business cards and place it on your dashboard so the owner knows you're taking a class at the studio.

COST: $12.50—they take cash, check & credit cards (all but Amex)

STUDIO:  I had the opportunity to take a few pictures—a small space with great design and they packed in 10 set-ups for Swing Yoga, which was the perfect amount of space for each yogi. The entrance was bright with big windows—and the practice space was calm and urban. 

CLASS DESCRIPTION: Flying Asana/Swing Yoga—Take your practice on and off the mat. We won't be swinging from the rafters, we will be using the yoga swing to get deeper into postures, increase balance and strength, and to pattern inversion. Everyone is saying it's nothing like what they expected... It's lots more fun! Of course just like our Swing Core Class, savasana is the best you've ever experienced, as you hang weightless in your personal cocoon. Please have a nutritious snack a half hour before class. We recommend a granola bar, banana, or peanut butter. Bring your mat and a towel—or we have mats for rent for $1. 

INSTRUCTOR: Francine Messano is the founder of Tampa's first urban yoga studio, yoga Downtown Tampa. With a Masters in Architecture and intense study into the practice of yoga, her devotion to design, urban life, and yoga led to the opening of the studio. It has enabled her to bring the benefits of yoga to those who live and work in downtown in a creative and unique setting. She is dedicated to improving both the quality of life of those who practice at the studio and the vibrancy of downtown. Yes. She likes hanging upside down.

• 200 RYT Shiva Rea's Samudra School of Yoga
• Children's yoga teacher certification—Asheville Yoga Center 
• Workshop study includes Tim Feldman, Bryan Kest, Manju Jois, and varios aerial yoga programs. 
• Certified Spin Instructor

CONTACT: Yoga Downtown Tampa

First off—Laura—where ever you are/whoever you are—thank you for not showing up to class today. It allowed me the chance to check out this studio. I should have known better than to do a drop-in on a Swing Yoga class, because unlike traditional yoga where you can always fit one more yoga mat in... there are only so many swings set up. So! Thank you, again, for hopefully taking time to do other kind things for yourself, I really appreciate it. 

I checked out swing yoga before, in Chicago at I.D. gym, and I loved it. Needless to say, I was pretty excited to get back to this practice and play some more. The music wasn't traditional yoga music—but modern picks by the instructor (that she'd charmingly sing to every once in a while). Being that this class is a little more intense, the music seemed appropriate—but when it came to savasana I would still opt for the new age-y chanting gongs sounds o' nature music (I think it's track 7, lol)... Especially while you float freely in your blue, silk cocoon. <bliss!> 

We did a nice warm up, including the wrists for  longer than usual, and now I know why. This class focused more on arms than the last class I did—starting with some plank work and crunches. Once we switched up to more standing work we also had to depend on our arms to hold us up as we did (or as I attempted) crunches again. We did some stretches once we were standing—folding into one leg at a time and what I would say is some great prep work for splits. There was the opportunity to go into Svarga Dvidasana (Bird of Paradise) from a different position using the swing—I always like new ways to enter a pose—it's good for my brain, more than anything—having to rethink how my body can work. 

There were quite a few of us that were new to this class, so we did some modified flips into inversions and then watched a few other girls do more challenging poses. So exciting to witness someone else do the work I will be able to do in the future—helps for seeing myself there. Honestly, you should go to my last review of fly yoga—to get pictures and detailed descriptions of this type of yoga. These classes were very similar in poses. As for this location to check out a new class—yes! Francine was a wonderful instructor (who leaves tomorrow for some aerial silk rope training in NY, so exciting—happy and safe travels Francine!), the space is quaint and comfortable for a new experience, it veers towards a gym sort of personality in the sense that we didn't open up with chanting om or any sort of meditation... the closest we got to those pieces of yoga was a simple namaste from and to the instructor at the end. 

I'll continue to dream of/wish for fly yoga classes in Champaign-Urbana—it would be fantastic to have this in the mix of my classes each week to really push my strength forward. I believe I said this in the last fly yoga review, but definitely worth repeating—this doesn't replace traditional asana in any way, but definitely compliments it. 

Thanks for sharing your time with me—I'll have two more reviews coming up for you while I'm visiting in Tampa. So grateful to be traveling and reviewing this weekend! *heart*

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Invoke | Indianapolis, IN

Whaaaaaaaat? A studio review? Well, it's about time, right?! With a sick kitten at home, I'm not traveling at all for some time. But I can manage a sleepover here and there, and this was to Indianapolis to see a friend for her birthday. And not just any birthday—my friend is the oldest in a set of triplets. I got to check out a yoga class with two of the birthday siblings. I am one lucky girl! 

LOCATION: This is at the satellite location for Invoke, in Indianapolis. Easy to find because I was with a local. The space was in a business district sort of setting—read: lines of one level brick buildings with entrances side-by-side. The sign for the building was at the entrance of the parking lot, like most business district signs, but a sign on the road is always welcomed when searching for a studio. 

COST: $12 for the drop-in fee, that I charged. They have a special for $55/mo for unlimited yoga right now—that's an amazing deal. 

STUDIO:  It was a small room in the back of what seemed to be other business offices, not quite sure. The lights were dimmed low. Mirrors along the entire front of the room. The room temperature was warm, but not as hot as a bikram style. Props were provided. Room was full with maybe 15 people in there. 

CLASS DESCRIPTION: Heated Vinyasa Yoga—the same amazing flow style yoga class with the added detoxifying and calorie burning benefits of a heated studio. Please be prepared to sweat and remember to hydrate before and after class. 

INSTRUCTOR: Marjan Akhavan began her yoga practice as a time-out from a hectic career in wedding planning. After a couple of years of casually attending local yoga classes while looking for some relaxation and self-enrichment, Marjan found she not only loved the physical challenges that could be found in yoga, but the mental focus, peace and happiness that came with learning to be mindful and present. Carrying these lessons off the mat, yoga became not only an in-class practice but a lifestyle for Marjan. Graduating in 2009, she has her 200-hr certification from Internationally recognized Yogaworks—studying under Carmen Fitzgibbon, where she was trained in a broad range of style with a particularly strong emphasis on alignment. She approaches her classes as an opportunity to help others grow their personal practice by offering classes grounded in form/alignment, breathwork and developing a personal sense of self-awareness on and off the mat. Marjan tries to maintain a clss that encompasses both challenges and relaxation leaving you feeling refreshed and hopefully a little more grounded in your day-to-day life. 

CONTACT: Invoke

It was great to be in a new class again, I haven't had the opportunity (for an actual yoga class) since Chicago at I.D. gym. I should preface everything with—I'm exhausted, I've been working non-stop since the launch of NEOI. This is all for the greater good, but I was worried I'd fall asleep the second we laid flat on our mats. My attention to detail was definitely lacking, so I will keep that in mind while I review. My cohorts weren't overally impressed, one preferred hot yoga (at the same studio I reviewed in Broad Ripple) and the other one thought things were moving along too quickly. This was a great reminder that we all experience classes differently, and I can never really tell you classes you will like or not like. I can only tell you my experience and some hard facts that will make finding the location less intimidating and have you better prepared for what will come (as far as cost, payment, locating).

I actually enjoyed the fact that Marjan did challenge different muscles than my home instructors do. We did a lot of holding plank halfway down, and pushing back up again. This is actually the location on my arms I've been focusing on because I've learned that my muscles only work in one direction, which is really funny to me... because it never occurred to me that would even happen. She did mention hip location here and there, and foot placement. But overall, there wasn't much attention to how to get into a pose, I'd say this was leaning more on the side of a flow pace. I also did enjoy the temperature being set a little warmer—the extra sweat feels good. I don't like the lights being dimmed so low. It makes balancing poses too challenging (for me) because it's harder to focus on your drishti. Another personal preference is to not have mirrors in the studio. Instead of looking at my alignment, I end up seeing my ass. I know, this is a distraction I should welcome as a lesson in focus and being secure in my body image. But, I was pooped, and not wanting to notice my imperfections (meaning insecurities, not my ass itself). So, there you have it. 

Overall, if you're near this location, I'm guessing it would make a great filler class in the week. Something tells me their main location would be better—I'll have to return to review it! 

Thanks for sharing this review with me —and being patient with my lack of posting lately (my cat, Qi, thanks you too). Namaste. *heart*

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find. me.

I've been debating on whether or not I should share my first practice back after taking an unexpected three week hiatus from yoga. Is it a review of a studio? No. But can't we all relate to this topic? Yes. Maybe sharing my perspective on the whole month would be helpful to you... or helpful for me to reflect upon. So, obviously, I've decided to share it with you.

The sanskrit word yoga means, literally, to join or unite. In class, when this is referenced, I always hear it as more of a greater joining of community. We forget, or I forget definitely, that there's a community going on inside of each of us that we need to bring together. The mind and the body argue, the ego and the heart/soul are in constant battle. The outside world is challenging the inside world, and I need all those pieces (mind, body, ego, soul) to come together, right? And I wouldn't encourage anyone to take three weeks off from your practice (whether it be running, healthy food choices, or in this case, for me... yoga), but when it happens (and it's bound to happen—it has to me numerous times over the course of this yogic journey) it's a humbling reminder that I am nowhere where I think I am on my spiritual path. If my whole world is falling apart around me, and I'm still choosing to fall apart with it—then maybe I need those three weeks off to fall apart and come back to yoga. Have it be fresh and new and miraculous, all over again, because it does bring all those parts of me together. Sometimes we forget that when we're doing our weekly schedule of yoga practice. That really was the experience going back on Monday (and continued today, also). Rediscovering my love of yoga.

I found it interesting that the other weird perk of going back to yoga is you may have physically improved. Which doesn't make any sense to me what-so-ever, so I came to this conclusion that when you take one week... two weeks... three weeks... six months off, and you come back to it—sure some things are going to be lacking—but at that point when I say to myself, "It's time, you need to take care of yourself. You need to go back to yoga," my mind is exhausted, it's defeated, it's done—the white flag is flapping in the wind. So I go in and do my yoga, and my mind isn't getting in the way. It's reaffirming physically—inspiring even—but mentally it's another reminder of how much control our mind has over our body, how connected they really are, and how so very important it is to appease all these parts of ourselves. Yoke them together. Yoga. 

When I walked into class today, I sat down and tried to clear my mind while everyone was setting up. Looking for my intention in my practice for the next hour and a half... The past three weeks have been spent screaming inside (to others for awhile, and then to myself), "Hey! I'm right here! Can't you see me? Look at all this stuff I'm doing to try and help! Why don't you value me? Why can't you find me?" And those last two words landed in my intentions this morning with a thud. Find. Me. That's all I have to do—in all this noise—in my head—in the room—outside the studio—let it go. Find. Me. 

Mary likes to start and end her classes by reading poems by Danna Faulds—today's first reading is still echoing, so I'll end with it here. 

Walk Slowly
Danna Faulds
from Go In and In 

It only takes a reminder to breathe,
a moment to be still, and just like that,
something in me settles, softens,
makes space for imperfection.
The harsh voice of judgment drops to a whisper
and I remember again that life isn't a relay race;
that we will all cross the finish line;
that waking up to life is what we are born for.
As many times as I forget,
I catch myself charging forward
without even knowing where I am going,
that many times I can make the choice
to stop, to breathe, and
walk slowly into the mystery.

Thank you for spending your time with me—namaste! 

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Heartland Spa | Gilman, IL

LOCATION: Heartland Spa, Gilman, IL 

COST: We had a groupon deal, which I think is pretty regular for them. But here are their rates.

SPACE: The countryside location was absolutely beautiful this time of year... with trees changing colors (which there are plenty of trees, you're not surrounded by corn fields). There was a pond outside the door you could take a relaxing walk around. The rooms were set up nicely and kept clean. The space was sufficient for classes, meal time, and lounging. There was an obstacle course set up in the front where you enter, though we never used that. One barn was three levels: level one was space services, sauna, steam room, hot tub, and indoor pool. Level two was the tech space (exercise equipment), and level three was an open room for classes. 

SPA DESCRIPTION: The Heartland Spa's team of experts help you to make positive lifestyle changes in the areas of nutrition and weight loss, stress management, fitness, massage therapy, and skincare. 

CONTACT: Heartland Spa

Quick story? Way too overpriced for what they offered. The classes were lead by great instructors, but not really challenging. The services (massage, reflexology, and LOTS more) were amazing. What really cast a huge shadow over this weekend was the food and food service. The food I could eat wasn't that good (re: nothing was organic, and you could taste it), and they definitely don't know how to accommodate people with food requests. My partner in crime for the weekend has a garlic allergy and I don't eat meat or dairy... not only did we have to make sure our food needs were met (which they regularly weren't), we were treated like nuisances when we had to correct them. Mind you, we actually spoke with their chef before we arrived for the weekend, so it's not like it was shocking we were asking these things. Basically, if you say you don't eat meat they say "What about fish?" and if you say you don't eat dairy they say, "So no cheese? How about milk?" What?!? Not to mention, rumor has it, their nutritionist smokes a pack of cigarettes a day. Old school thinking of nutrition to say the least. So disappointing.

But there are definitely highlights to my weekend—obviously I got to hang out with my amazing friend for over 15 years now. I adore her. Each morning we woke up for a 7:15am walk. The second day I was beckoned over by the neighbor's horse for attention—the sweetest horse I've ever met. We met some great people—shout out to Jen Smith and her aloe vera line of cosmetics (L'Bri). The first day all the guests were sitting through orientation and asked to introduce themselves. Jen mentioned her business (I was excited to ask her about it) and the woman she came with said that they have been friends for 37 years (she was her mom)... so sweet. Then we had dinner with them one evening and found them to be even more charming and hilarious. Another person we were lucky enough to meet was Renee Marie—the reflexologist they have on staff every other weekend. We went to her discussion and were just blown away by her.... sign us up for a session with her! Both of us had AMAZING interactions with Renee Marie, and I plan to make her a part of my healthcare regiment. I'll review more below.

So, I can't say this weekend was a waste, but it definitely wasn't worth the money spent (and that was at a buy one get one free deal). I do have 4 gift certificates to give away, so if you want to take part in my next giveaway (see below) and see what you think for yourself, I'd love to hear about your experience.

OK—my schedule in review:

SAT OCT 29
7am wake up call
7:15 am 2 mile walk: beautiful countryside walk during the fall. It was brisk, but what an amazing way to start the day
8am breakfast: i could eat the oatmeal, and that's about it
9am Zumba (latin-based dancing for a workout) class: The only other time I did Zumba I really didn't like the instructor, so I wasn't too excited about this. But our instructor Becky, was great, and I was able to not only get into it a little bit... but laugh at myself a couple times too.
10:10am snack: a cookie, I couldn't eat it. They do have a small bowl of fruit and veggies sitting out to eat whenever you want, but like I said earlier. You can tell they weren't organic and just sorta gross.
10:30am Sculpting with Xertubes & Dynabands: With Becky again! This was actually much more challenging than I expected, muscle work with bands around your ankles and also work with your arms with bands that had handles on the end. This was the only time all weekend that I felt there was instruction on how to do this when you get home. And honestly, if you're preaching you're a place to kick-start your healthy lifestyle... shouldn't you be giving more instruction all weekend long?
11:30am I opted for my 40 minute massage that was included in the package. You could easily upgrade these massages, but I didn't want to spend even more money. Deby was my massage therapist and she was great. It felt like a long 40 minutes, she definitely worked the muscle more—which I need. The room was relaxing, she put heated pillows under your back and neck. It was definitely one of the highlights of the weekend.
12:30pm lunch: I can't remember what we had, but I can guarantee, for me, it was with a boca burger... Heartland Spa really strives to make everyone's meal look the same. I guess they don't want those with special food requests to stick out. It's a nice gesture. They also spend a lot of time telling you the calories of everything you're eating. So when the person next to be has a 175 calorie chicken entree I was irritated... because I didn't get extra food even though the boca burgers are like 40 calories or something. Needless to say, I was hungry the entire weekend.
1:15pm Discussion with Renee Marie: This is when we met Renee (the reflexologist). She walked into the room saying Namaste!, and I knew I was finally around one of my own. She talked about how she got into her line of work and then described what all she does (reflexology, lymphatic drainage, and energy healing). She was a breath of fresh air, and I was immediately excited that I signed up for an hour session with her. It was the first time (in a looooooooong time) I felt like I was around a similar attitude as my dad (he was an acupuncturist). This weekend was definitely meant for me to meet Renee.
2:15pm Aqua Motion with Raelene: Pool time! This class was a little silly—one part silly fun and one part silly not a challenge. But I love being in water, so that made it great. We learned a few exercises we could take away with us (if we had a pool). I definitely felt like I was sweating at one point. What made it ridiculous was that I kept being put in the back of the group... in a more shallow area, and I'm taller than a lot of ladies. So the workout wasn't as useful for me, and the woman in front of me kept backing up into my space with legs kicking. It made for a good giggle between my girlfriend and me, but still... more play time, less work out—still active though, so that's good.
3:15pm snack: Fruit smoothie—at this point I'm learning not to ask if there's dairy in things—they'll just say no and I'll ask—what about yogurt? and they'll say, yeah. Like I'm the idiot.
3:30pm Yoga Stretch & Relax with Raelene: Definitely the most basic intro to yoga I've ever had. And I don't think this is because of the instructor, she definitely knew more. We didn't do a single salutation, we barely got off the mat. I did learn that the twists are what are hurting my sacrum (I know, obvious, but I needed the reminder), so I'm going to get back into my yoga routine and skip the twists. To be honest, as I'm writing this, I haven't been to yoga in 2.5 weeks (minus this weekend). Between my sacrum, launching the new site, and some personal stuff... Really distracted. Why is it we choose to abandon the stuff that is needed most during the hard times? This class reminded me—it's hard to sit with yourself for an hour and face you. It usually ends in tears for me—when life is challenging me. But after, my mind is so much clearer, and really, how can I expect myself to face these obstacles with out a clear mind and open heart? I can't. So I'm going back to yoga on Friday (with my main instructor, Hayli). Don't want to go and can't wait, all in one fell swoop.
6pm dinner: boca burger with an orange sauce. Orange sauce is good—nothing but sugar, but good. Barley with veggies was ok—give me some indian seasonings please! I wish I could provide them with vegan food menu options.

SUN OCT 30 

7am wake up call
7:15am morning walk: On the mile out we watched a horse playing in his field—jumping and running, so beautiful. One the mile back in—this will sound odd—but that horse and I made eye contact and he started walking straight for me. So I told the gals I'd catch up, I had to meet this horse. We met up, ears facing me so attentively and he turned his right side to me to show me his eye (he had what I assumed was cataracts), and he did his ears went back—almost ashamed. I told him to show me his good eye—he turned his face—ears facing me again. I pet his nose—we leaned in forehead to forehead—and then as playful as ever he tried to knock me over. It was hilarious. I told him I needed to get back to my walk—which I don't think he was too happy about, I'm guessing he's used to getting apples or something from the walkers in the morning. But, honestly, if I don't want to eat that apple, why would I give it to that sweet, sweet horse.
8am breakfast: Yes, eggs! Oh wait, egg beaters. Barf. Oatmeal it is.
9:15am Session with Renee Marie: She hugs you immediately, welcoming you into her room. I laid down on the bed and she gauged my energy to see if she should start with my head or feet. Head it was. The night before I had this crazy dream (the kind of dream that feels real) that she kept working on my right shoulder with one hand under and one hand on top. I wondered if that would happen—but kept telling myself to not make it happen... like if she brushed up against my shoulder, I couldn't be floored. What did happen, the first spot she worked on was that shoulder and she kept coming back to it—I had to share my dream with her. What I loved most, and this happens when you see a good acupuncturist too, she told me what was wrong. She would ask me questions about health or diet or injuries—but she already knew what was acting up. Western medicine would benefit so much from working Eastern medicine into their practice—more importantly, patients would benefit from it. Anyway... at one point, after touching points on my head, she focused in on my jaw. The heat coming off her hands was insane. Slowly I felt my jaw relax—which I could have been doing myself—but then a bunch of spit released in my mouth and it tasted gross. When I'm stressed (which there's always an underlying layer of stress for a lot of us, right?), my jaw clinches. I knew right then, she opened up that tension and all the toxins I've been holding in those muscles released. It was disgusting and cool. She did some foot reflexology, but I didn't really have any reactions to it that I could notice. I do know by the end I felt amazing—from jaw to sacrum to hips to stomach aches to hamstrings. I will be visiting Renee again—without a doubt.
10:10am snack—my session with Renee ran late, so I missed the snack (which was a cookie I couldn't eat anyway) and we missed the BOSU training we were going to try. But honestly, my friend just had her 40 minute massage, so we really wanted to keep swimming in our relaxation mode. At this point we decided to call the weekend short—I was going to stick around for another yoga class to review, but neither of us could find much sense in staying for a lunch we didn't want.
11:30am Yoga Stretch & Relax with Crystal: The day before Raelene told the ladies that Crystal was teaching today's class and she really knew her stuff. So I knew I had to stick around and review this class. And though she really did know her stuff (she could name every pose in sanskrit beautifully)—we did even less work than the day before. This was perfect after a reflexology session with Renee Marie, I really wanted to get a genuine yoga class this weekend. It's unfortunate. I feel like all these instructors/therapists are being held back by Heartland Spa (and overcharging for it), and that's just not what I'm looking for.

GIVEAWAY!
With that not-so-lovely review, I offer up my next giveaway (woo-hoo!): I have four $100 gift certificates to be used towards anything at Heartland Spa & Fitness Resort during your overnight visit (one per person, for first time guests only).

What I'm going to do is leave it up to the contestants to decide what they want... if you request all four certificates for you and three friends and are the winner—you win all four. If you request two certificates for you and a friend—two people have a chance to win. Hopefully that makes sense. I didn't want to restrict it to only one option for people.

What do you have to do?
• If you're not a fan of my facebook page—fan. it. up.
• Share my facebook page on your page (please tag me in the share—so I know you followed through)
• Visit my new site—I'm offering free marketing to 11 NFP organizations (deadline Nov 27)
• Leave a comment below telling me how many certificates you would like

Ends Friday, November 11th at 10pm CDT

Thanks so much for sharing your time with me!
*heart*

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