Yoga Pose of the Week: Half Moon Pose

Ardha Chandrasana

(are-dah chan-DRAHS-anna)
ardha = half
candra = glittering, shining, having the brilliancy or hue of light (said of the gods); usually translated as "moon"

Ardha Chandrasana

According to research the moon has a symbolic significance in yoga mythology. In hatha yoga the sun and moon represent the two polar energies of the human body. If you break the word hatha a part to "ha" and "tha" they are interpreted as signifying the solar and lunar energies. - yoga journal website

The moon also has a symbolic significance in my family, for a couple of different reasons. I always tell my mom "I love you to the moon and back" and my dad looks like Professor Lupin from Harry Potter and if you know HP then you know that Professor Lupin is a werewolf and the moon is his "enemy".  If you haven't figured it out I recently moved to Ohio and I am now away from my family *sigh* so being away from them I figured doing a yoga pose that represents the moon would bring us together spiritually.

Remember to do the pose on both sides. It is important to stretch both sides of the body to keep it in balance.

Cautions

• Diarrhea
• Headache or migraine
• Insomnia
• Low blood pressure

If you have neck problems continue to look straight ahead; do not turn your head to look upward.

Benefits

• Helps relieve stress
• Improves coordination and sense of balance
• Improves digestion
• Strengthens the abs, ankles, butt, spine, and thighs
• Stretches the calves and hamstrings, chest, groins, shoulders, and spine

Therapeutic Applications

• Anxiety
• Backache
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Gastritis
• Indigestion
• Menstrual pain
• Osteoporosis
• Sciatica

Beginner's Tip

A yoga block can be used if you are struggling to touch the floor with your hand. Also if you are struggling with balance you can do the pose near a wall and rest your foot on the wall.

xo

*Shine like Glitter*
Remember your yoga practice is for you.
Yoga is not about self-improvement, it's about self-acceptance.
Have you been taking your practice outdoors?
Namaste.

Yoga Pose of the Week

I do not have a specific Yoga pose for you this week. However I did not forget about Yoga this week. I talked about Meditation last week and I've been working on that at the end of my days before bed. This week I want to tell you getting out and doing Yoga.

Depending on where you are the snow has melted, the birds are chirping, the trees are blooming, and the grass is visible and green. But for me I have seen this all year. However being in Ohio has changed things for me, although the snow was gone by the time I got here. What I mean is that the weather is perfect. There have been sunny days with blue skies and perfect weather for hiking and Yoga. Today I went out to the Gorge Metro Park in Cuyahoga Falls, OH for some hiking and Yoga.

I encourage you to take your practice outdoors, if the weather permits it. This can change up your Yoga practice and make it more exciting. I like to take my practice outside the classroom often. And I like to find different places to practice,

Getting in tune with nature and breathing in the wonderful fresh air can be beneficial for you and your body. Also it offers a wonderful view while practicing. But it can also be distracting. Keep your mind focused on your breath or listen to some soothing music.

I did my Yoga on a flat top rock cliff and it was wonderful. I really enjoyed it. I hope that you decide to take your practice outdoors and get in tune with nature. 

xo

*Shine like Glitter*

I apologize for not having a specific Yoga position ready for you, but I figured I this would be better since the weather is starting to get nice out.

Next week I'll be back and ready.

Keep up with your Yoga practice throughout the week.

I'm going to continue to work on my meditation

Have a wonderful week everyone.

And as always thank you.

Namasta

Epcot: International Flower and Garden Festival

Every year Epcot has this wonderful festival known as the International Flower and Garden Festival. One of the pluses about living in central Florida is the parks are within driving distance, however they always seem to busy no matter the day of the week or the time of day. On this particular day it was in celebration of my birthday and I spent several hours wandering around the park taking in the beautiful flower creations, known as topiary displays. And let me tell you they are beautiful and very creative. I still wonder how in the world these talented artists are able to create these works of art. The gardens are also a wonderful sight as they offer new innovated ways of gardening. Don't forget to check out the outdoor kitchens and indulge your senses into something delicious. And of course the entertainment.

The Flower and Garden Festival has over 100 topiary displays, exhibits and gardens. If you fancy a trip over to Epcot you will find some of your favorite Disney characters made into topiary displays. If you want to know more about the festival check out the webpage here. You will find out everything you need to know about the festival before you go!

Now enough talk about the festival, how about I show you photos from the festival. Warning there are quite a few of them. *grin*

As you enter into the park you are greeted by some of your favorite Disney characters; Pluto, Goofy, Daisy Duck.

On the other side of this beautiful display is Donald Duck, Chip and Dale.

This display is a combination of flower and garden.

My first stop was to the Land or Living with the Land. In the Land there is a boat ride through the Land Pavilion. This ride takes you through the Epcot greenhouses where you will view the new innovations of produce growth. It is a beautiful and knowledgeable tour.

After the Land it was off to the Seas with Nemo & Friends. After this fun ride with Nemo and his friends there is an indoor aquarium. I spent about an hour wandering around the exhibit, reading the many facts, and taking in the marvelous colors of the sea.

This little weird looking fish ^ is a cuddle fish. I find him to be adorable.

Then it was off to visit the butterflies and Tinker Bell

Now onto the rest of the festival... many more photos coming your way *grin*

Fantasia

Monsters Inc. Mike and Sully

Yes those are fish swimming in there.

These plants are growing out of a bail of hay.

Then I wandered into the United Kingdom. And first up were poppy flowers.

Peter Pan

Then I found myself in the English Tea Garden

Mary Poppins

Outside of the tea garden was the Pollinator's Paradise where I found...

Winnie the Pooh

Bambi

Then over the bridge I found myself in France.

Cinderella and Prince Charming

Belle and the Beast

Lumiere and Cogsworth

Garden in Morocco 

Since everyone is obsessed with Quinoa, but I found out it's been around forever.

I absolutely love this flower ^

Pineapples ^

Japan

USA with Woody

Look who's poking around.

Italy with Lady and the Tramp

Miss Piggy

Germany

Herzlich Willkommen = Welcome  is what the tiny orange sign says.

The Lion King

China 

A couple more ducks.

Lightning McQueen

Mater

I thought my mom would enjoy these purple flowers.

Anna and Elsa

Well I hope you enjoyed this tour with me.

xo

*Shine like Glitter*
I know there are a lot pictures but I hope you enjoyed all of them.
This post took a long time to do.
But I enjoyed going through all of the pictures again.
I really wish I had my own garden.
I love Disney and Peter Pan is my favorite.
I loved how we was on top of the roof.
Well I hope you get to go. And if you don't get go this year I recommend you put this festival on your bucket list. They do change things every year, so I hope that you at least see it once.