Back to Practice

Posted on January 19, 2017 by Gigi in Well-Being Comments Off

yogis

I’m back on the mat and I’m starting to regain my balance. Over the years I have had an off and on again relationship with yoga. Once I’m at the studio, everything is fine, it’s my happy place, its the getting there that sometimes can be a challenge, especially with vinyasa hot yoga the practice that I like. Doing hot yoga, I have to drive a little ways to the studio, I have to shower, address the hair, get out of my soaking wet clothes, its a lot of steps to incorporate my practice in my life. It helps having a husband who will go with me a couple of time a week, he sees the benefits as well.

yogis

Why do I like yoga? Of course as I get older, I want to remain flexible. I like the challenge of the flow, doing or attempting to do the postures. I like the feeling of being drenched midway through the class. I like the rhythm of my breath as I inhale and exhale.

Gigi yoga

But more than the physical practice I like the spirituality, the self reflection I get from my practice. I am able to tap into my authentic self, stuff that would normally annoy me doesn’t when I am practicing on a regular basis. I’m honest. I’m able to see things differently, rise above the craziness, and pay attention to what really matters.

My practice is not about getting into a complex pretzel poses, or headstands, it is about being good enough for me- listening to my body everyday I get on my mat. Not having any judgement and most importantly allowing me to be present for others.

Do you practice yoga? What brings you peace?

Love these mats

Namaste,

XOXO,

Gigi

Your Practice is YOUR Practice

Posted on November 12, 2013 by Gigi in My Life, Well-Being Comments Off

quote

Saturday night we attended a special 2 hour hot yoga event, the room was steamy, the reggae rhythm was bumping, the “quiet storm” perfect pitch voice our yoga teacher Scott was smoothly guiding us through the vinyasa flow. As I struggled through the poses I reminded myself that my practice is just that “my practice” my moment to be the best that I can be at that given moment, no more no less. Within ten minutes I was in my trance, not longer worrying about if my butt looked gi-normous in chair pose, or that my back bend was pretty lame, or that annoying fat roll was appearing when I did a side bend nor that my leg was not lifted as high as the rest of the yoginis. All of those conscious thoughts disappeared as I moved through the poses, taking an occasional child’s pose when needed for a short reprise.

After about an hour or so, my emotions began to come to the surface, perhaps it was when Scott said something like “release what binds you, so you can be free” I felt my eyes as they began to fill with water, slowly releasing tears that merged with the salty sweat forming a shiny glow on my face. I continued the poses with a spurt of energy, thankful for this time, for my life, my breath and my sanity.

I realized that the key to real happiness is accepting your personal best, rather than comparing yourself to your neighbor, friend, relative, or stranger, I may not ever do a beautiful headstand in the center of the room and that is OK. In life it is easy to compare ourselves with others, but when you are able to “let it go” and accept that your personal best is good enough, you eliminate the “keeping up with the Joneses” effect or the “green eyed” jealousy and her partner envy at bay. Find contentment with your own success and growth, I can do my passion without worrying about if I will be a six figure earning photographer or if I will be famous, shooting magazine covers.

I can do “ME” without thinking about if I am meeting someone else’s expectations. I can accept my imperfections and mistakes and I can forgive and forget. Free from the judgement of others or the petty punishments inflicted, I can purpose to improve on yesterdays actions and continue to “practice” and give my best.

I practice at Purple Yoga– a fabulous studio with awesome teachers. Scott Winslow led Saturday nights class.

Namaste XOXO,

Gigi

yoga class

RANDOM-NESS

Posted on November 6, 2013 by Gigi in Shopping, Web 2 Comments

Do you ever wonder why some people do the things they do? Especially when it is not something positive, or uplifting, almost as if they purpose to make life difficult and go out of their way to be hurtful to others. I find this phenomenon prevalent in groups of women, perhaps it is the hormones mixing together that creates an atmosphere of animosity. At my age my patience is not like it used to be, maybe because I know the value of living each day to the fullest and that there is so much in this world that I want to conquer that I don’t have time for craziness. I listen and I observe and wonder what is going on with that pour soul that they are exuding so much anger. I just want to take all of them and throw them in a hot yoga class, so they can sweat together and see that we really are so much alike, when you take away the barriers and melt down the layers and become vulnerable and reveal our hearts to each other.

O.K. enough of that…some fun stuff I discovered …

Holla Doormat

Is this not cute…Available at Nordstrom for 50.00

Every year I send out holiday cards, this year will be my 24th. I am always looking for a new card, the last few years I have been ordering from minted, and since they send me a repeat customer discount card I think I will be ordering from them again. They have interesting designs, good turn around and excellent service. I will be referring clients to them this season as well.

minted foil holiday cards

I do yoga in spurts, I need to be more consistant, but sometimes stuff happens, but I’m back on the wagon and I just splurged and ordered a new mat, how could I resist…

Love these

Available at anthropologie. 98.00

Speaking of anthropologie, I got the cutest “work” boot ever, when I am shooting I need to be comfortable, especially if I am out on location, I’m not the tennis shoe outside the gym type of girl, so when I found this boot online I was thrilled. It reminded me of one I liked by Valentino that was over the top–so this rustic version is perfect and was priced just right compared to the Valentino.

my boots 195.00

Valentino 1795.00

My other good bargain of the week a friend told me about the Trina Turk outlet in Alhambra–never new about this gem. I scored beautiful silk slips for my photo sessions for 10.00 each, I love the softness of sexy slips in my pics, everyone can wear these and they photograph so nicely. I also scored a beautiful Missoni inspired dress that I love for 80.00. Trina Turk Outlet 3025 West Mission Road Alhambra, 91803 626 872-0020 Trina Turk.

my slips…

pretty missoni “like” dress 80.00

And lastly a sort of sad story about the oldest woman to do the NY marathon, who died the next day with her tennis shoes still on…she was 84 years old, and said she wanted to die running…another example of do what makes you happy. read it here.

gigi

Happy Wednesday Everybody,

Xoxo,

Gigi

LIVE TO BE 100 ?

Posted on October 27, 2013 by Gigi in Aging 2 Comments

Today I read this article, that appeared on my facebook news feed, it was about this vibrant 90 year-old lady. Of course I was impressed, being on the other side of 50, you pay attention to articles on the aging process, antioxidants, powerful skin creams, hormone changes and such. Phyllis Sues, the woman featured in the article is extremely active, she practices yoga, dances the tango, and took up the circus trapeze in her 80’s. She is always learning something and challenging herself to do something new, doing some yoga poses that I can’t do yet. While it would be nice to live a long life, and possibly reach the ripe old age of 100, I would want to be healthy and vibrant like this 90 years young lady.

Phyllis Sues age 90

For the most part I live an active life style, occasionally I go on binges where I become fixated on an activity and become obsessed, like yoga, spinning, bootcamp or training for a tri, and sometimes I take a little unintentional hiatus-not good at my age. 3 weeks ago I got my mojo back working out almost daily, and of course like always I feel great. I’ve been doing bootcamp, hiking and working with a trainer. I took a yoga class this weekend, and realized that it is a critical part of my well being, and it took being away for a moment to see how much my body and my mind missed my practice. My yoga teacher said something that stuck in my head, “We are always comparing/competing–stop it!” with that I did my best, not beating myself up for being so “tight” and feeling as though I lost all the gains I had made in my yoga practice.

What is your workout routine? How do you stay motivated? When you really think about it, there is no excuse, the benefits are life saving and although sometimes it is difficult to be consistent all the time- you just have to do it! A few more golden warriors.

75 year-old Ernestine Shepherd

Rae Kline 83 years-old

95 year-old Ida Keeling

Also stumbled upon this cute video–“Worry About Yourself

Happy Monday-Stay warm my southern cali Peeps…

Xoxo,

Gigi

Gigi @ 54

ROUTINES

Posted on January 24, 2013 by Gigi in Well-Being Comments Off

I find that the older I get the more I need a routine for certain things, like stretching my body daily. I don’t always make it to yoga class so I was delighted when I stumbled upon this “good morning” yoga sequence via pin interest. I now keep a yoga mat under my bed, so all I have to do is greet my mat and do this little routine, after which I can start my day. It has helped tremendously with little aches and pains I was starting to have, especially in my shoulders and knees. It’s like a teeth brushing for my body.

My other routine is juicing, the benefits of adding fresh juice to your diet, are great. I love my juice, it is my feel good serum. I have been juicing for almost four years, a friend introduced me to “green” juice, and initially it was an adjustment, an acquired taste, but now I crave it daily. I prefer to make my own, I find that sometimes when I purchase from juice bars, the “green” juice is not green enough for my taste, and it is so expensive. I also like to vary my recipes based on how I feel and what I am in the mood for. If you prep your veggies, and have them ready like the juice bars do, you can make your juice in minutes, and the combinations are unlimited. Check out these recipes.

Journaling daily is my therapy. I always have some sort of journal with me, to jot down ideas for my blog, observations on life, dreams, and sometimes odd thoughts and feelings that I can record privately. Even in our electronic device age, and yes I do have most of the gadgets, there is something special about a nice pen and a pretty journal. I keep a pad on my night stand, for those moments when I wake up in the middle of the night.

And lastly, taking pictures has become a part of my daily routine. I have always liked taking pics, but now that I am studying photography I am constantly searching for interesting highlights and shadows. Sometimes it is the formation of the clouds, or the way a shadow has formed on a wall, or maybe an expression on someones face. I am always ready, whether it is with my i phone, my little point and shoot or my nikon.

Do you have any routines? I’d love to hear about them…

Xoxo,

Gigi

ANTI-AGING

Posted on January 18, 2013 by Gigi in Aging 2 Comments

For myself, this weekend will be one spent with my mother and son at Grandparents weekend at his school. My in-laws were unable to make it do this this horrific flu, and at 89 you have to be careful. I will take lots of pictures to capture and freeze the moments of my mom and son. I’m at an age where my mom and most of my friends parents are creeping into their 80’s, it is certainly a reminder of the circle of life. I can’t help but to think about the aging process and how will I fare, not just the physicality but my health which is the critical piece. Will my obsession with yoga and a vegan lifestyle really make a difference? Will I let my hair go totally white like my mom’s one day? What will my “80” look like?

Age

This quote pretty much sums up my thoughts on age. While I know I will never be “22” or “35” or “40” again, I can be the best me and embrace whatever that looks like. Will I dabble in cosmetic options ie. botox, fillers etc.? Not sure, I do look and the mirror some days and I sigh, and some times I look in the mirror and think, I’m doing okay.

Botox

While I don’t think there is some secret formula for anti-aging I do think a person’s mindset and attitude has a lot to do with aging. When you start to settle in to the “I’m to old for this or that” or “I used to do that when I was younger” that is when that cross over takes place and you wake up one day and you are suddenly in the state of “OLD”. Continue to explore passions and try new things, browse in “Forever 21” try a new hair do, don’t be afraid to “change up”.

Here are my anti-aging tips:

1. EXERCISE EXERCISE AND EXERCISE! there is no way around this one…if you don’t want things to start shifting in a weird way, exercise is the key. I love yoga for the stretching, relaxation, and since I practice hot yoga the added benefit of a facial. Cardio and weight training are also important and just making each day active, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking far away and walking, jumping up and down in the house just because.

Yoga

DIET DIET AND DIET is just as important as exercising. I do vegan with as much “raw vegan” as possible, and I juice most days. I buy everything fresh and stay away from processed food. I prefer food in its original state.

fruits and veggies

3. REST REST AND REST yes I have to get my sleep, preferably 8 hours.

4. HYDRATE HYDRATE AND HYDRATE I drink lots and lots of water. I can wake up and look in the mirror and know if I did not drink enough water the day before.

5. SPIRITUALITY-having a faith base in something that keeps you grounded, something that you believe in-this is so important. You need that internal peace that comforts you.

Now for the extras:

1. Creams and such–don’t know if they make a difference but I slather lots on morning and night

2. Sex-do it!

3. Massages-no explanation needed

4. Hair color-even if you are embracing your grey, make it sparkle

5. Passions-keep exploring new things

6. Friendships-relationships are enriching in so many ways…

7. Make-Up- yes it makes a difference

8. Fragrance-oils, perfumes whatever you like.

9. Outfits- that make you feel fabulous.

10. Pretty shoes-not orthopedic and “tennis” shoes are for working out…

11. SMILE-be happy, control your stress, and find the good in everything and everyone…

Happy Weekend!

Xoxo,

Gigi

Hey Yoga Girl…

Posted on July 6, 2012 by Gigi in Well-Being 2 Comments

Since yoga is an important part of my life, even my logo “girl” is in a yoga pose, I thought I’d share a little about my “yoga story”. I’ve had an on again off again affair with yoga for the past 3 years. This lastest tryst started last November, I went to a class with my friend Teresa, that had live music, an incredible teacher named Cindy, and I fell in love with yoga all over again. Something magical happened that night that had not happened before. Cindy conveyed the yoga teachings in a way that resonated with me in a spiritual way. Prior, I had always thought of yoga as just another workout. The class was mat to mat and the room was steamy hot, I struggled in the class, which was a fast paced vinyasa flow, staying about 2 poses behind. When I left I felt this sense of well being, I had a glow from within.

Magical November Class 2011

During this time, I experienced an epiphany of sorts. I had went for my annual physical and had a bone density test which revealed that I have osteoporosis. I felt like a bomb had been dropped on me, all I could think about was little old bent over ladies. My doctor wanted to put me on drugs for my new found condition right away. I continued to go to yoga, at times crying in class, but due to the sweat factor no one even noticed. Yoga was a place I could go, and for that hour and a half, I was receptive, vulnerable and open to receiving the strength I needed to go forward. At first I agreed to take the medicines, until I did some research and read about the potential side effects of these drugs. In doing so I discovered that there had been some studies on yoga and osteoporosis and that yoga was beneficial for my condition. I believe the universe connected me with yoga for a reason. If we really listen to our bodies closely we will discover what we need to keep them running smoothly.

Utkatasana

10 Reasons I love yoga.

1. I sleep really good.

2. A free facial included with each class.

3. Cute yoga pants that keep you “honest”.

4. Stronger-I can do push-ups as a result of so many chaturangas.

5. Flexible-I can stretch my body and I feel “taller”.

6. Connection with my breath-this helps me in all my other workouts.

7. Inner peace-after yoga nothing bothers me anymore.

8. Problems solved-solutions come to me during class.

9. In touch with my “authentic self”, which enables me to speak my mind-no time for BS.

10. Sharing yoga with my husband and now he is a yogi.

Tadasana Festival

Yoga is now a permanent part of my life, I can practice anywhere. Hopefully you will be fortunate to practice with a teacher who will inspire you and like a parent “raise” you to love the practice and eventually be on your own to practice. Currently I practice with Cindy Fernandez, Purple Yoga and various other studios around the southland.

Do you practice?

xoxo,

Gigi

What are you Passionate about?

Posted on June 26, 2012 by Gigi in My Life 8 Comments

Came across this article about passion written by Amy Spencer, in the July/August issue of Health magazine. I was intrigued by this list of five signs that you have found that “special thing”.

You’d do it for free…and, uh, probably do.
You’ve lost track of time while doing it and only noticed when you smelled dinner burning.
At a party you could talk about it until the hosts are sweeping up at the end of the night.
You don’t mind if you aren’t good at it…
…but the more you do it , the better you get at it–because you enjoy it so much.

Read the entire article here.

When I read this article I could not help but, reflect on my own life and ask myself what am I passionate about.

Relaxing on the beach (Photo credit: virtualphotographystudio)

Of course we are passionate about our families and loved ones, but I am referring to what gives your life purpose? My passions have been varied and most have been really simple. I have to be passionate about something, it is what keeps life fulfilling and interesting.

Here is my list of passions past and present. To make the list I have had to stay up all night, do it for free, talk to strangers about it–facebook counts, not necessarily be good at it and eventually get better at it because I keep doing it .

Yoga-I have not been practicing that long, and I am not one of the “gumby” girls in the class, but I love it and I keep going back even though there are days where I feel I am regressing. I get a rush from going to class and I feel at peace when I am done. I know there are asanas I may never do, but the desire or the thought that one day I may keeps me going back for another back bend.

Music-In another life I know I was a DJ. I can stay up all night searching for music and listening to random bands. In our living trust I have a provision that states, if something should happen to me and it appears that I am not aware of my surroundings I want to have the latest “ipod” or listening device attached, so that I can listen to music.

ipod shuffle loja online leilao (Photo credit: sucelloleiloes)

Shoes-I have always had a facination with shoes, perhaps it is because I had to wear corrective shoes as a child. I can enter a shoe department and feel my heart start to flutter. I love looking at beautiful shoes, wearing them, and nothing gives me greater pleasure than finding a “dream” shoe on the sale rack with an additional mark down. Right when I think I am content and happy with my collection I see something else that makes me drool. This is the current shoe I’m lusting for:

Brian Atwood

Traveling-I love going places. It does not have to be an exotic destination, it can be an exit off a freeway that I have never taken. I love going places near and far. I can enjoy a beach thirty minutes from my house or one around the world. I love planning trips and finding off the beaten path things to do.

Travel Guides (Photo credit: Vanessa (EY))

Blogging-It’s 3:00 am, no explanation needed. Oh and when I’m not blogging I’m reading other blogs.

English: Monkeys Blogging Español: Simios bloggeando (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Past and reoccuring passions: knitting (I go on binges where I knit nonstop), triathlon-ing (becoming obsessed with everything connected with the sport joining clubs etc.), raw veganism (embarrassing my kids when ordering in non-vegan restaurants), natural hair (always searching for the holy grail of products), photography (the need to take pictures of every and anything), and skiing (planning my winter around snow reports and justifying another jacket).

What are you passonate about? What makes you stay up like a fiend?

xoxo,

Gigi

yoga

Related articles

Related articles

Related articles

Related articles

Follow