Tag: health

Happy One Year Anniversary: The Scrappy Yogi is also a Scrappy Surfer

It’s been officially one year since I have launched this blog! It’s been quite a year of self discovery: yoga experiences, yoga festivals, marriage, surfing, Maui trips, and much more to come. Anyone who has been following me for the last year has noticed that I talk about surfing just as much as I talk about yoga, but I never really claim the title as “surfer”. The reason for this simple. A legacy surfer told me to try it for a year before earning the title of “surfer”. Well, it’s been a year, and surfing is here to stay. It’s a passion to say the least.

The last year of surfing has been an excited one. I bought my first Paragon Surfboard the “Mini-Log”, I have surfed in Maui, I have made “surf buddies”, and now I have integrated surfing into my life. I try to surf a couple of times a week if the tides and my work schedule permit it, and I am constantly looking at Surfline.

But what about yoga? Yoga is never going away.  I have even been told from my surf buddies that I incorporate yoga teachings and practices into my surfing life. And, on occasion, I can even been seen practicing yoga in my wetsuit on the beach before and after a surf session (it’s good for your body, but more posts to come on that).

So, from now on, I am also a Scrappy Surfer. I will write blog posts on how I weave yoga into my surfing life and vice versa. I will still write on my latest yoga influences, classes and experiences as well. Life is all about expanding your horizons, right?

Readers, have any of your workout programs lead you to other passions? Or other workouts you love just as much? I would love to hear your thoughts!

You can now follow me on Instagram @ScrappyYoga for fun tips, beach pics, and much much more!

~Namaste

Scrappy Yogi

Modifications in Surfing: A Yogi Prospective

Modifications are a common practice in yoga, especially when poses are too difficult or too strenuous on the body. Having practiced yoga for so long, I’m used to the idea of modification, that my practice is not going to be perfect, and modifying can create a positive yoga experience. When it comes to surfing, the whole idea is the perfect wave with perfect conditions. No modifications required, right? Well, I think I found one.

Recently, I got a new Retro Noserider Paragon Surfboard. She’s beautiful! 9 feet and old school; perfect for little waves and lazy summer days. She’s quite different from my other board, which is 7 feet 8 inches, and I have had my other board for a year. We know each other, and when I surf, I’m a part of my board.

I could not wait to try out my new board in the ocean, but then there was an interesting realization. I haven’t surfed on this big of a board since Maui. I don’t know the board yet, and will I even be able to surf?

A couple of my surfer buddies were going to our local break, so I decided to head on down with my new board. Once I arrived all suited up, I realized the wind was making some very choppy conditions. By the way, I loathe choppy conditions. It doesn’t make surfing that fun.

As I looked for my entry to the ocean, I couldn’t find an easy path.  With my surfer buddies egging me on to try, I finally had a realization. I can modify this experience to a positive one. Just like in yoga. I knew of a different entrance to the ocean, where it is not as intense, and walked down that way. I’m sure some surfers would tease me for this change, but honestly, I don’t care. It’s my surf life.

I had a great day trying out my new surfboard. It wouldn’t have been such a great experience if I had not remembered my yoga practice.

Readers, what have you modified in life to create a more positive experience? Also, I have started up a Scrappy Yoga Instagram, follow me @ScrappyYoga to see more pics of yoga gear, ocean waves, and surfboards.

~Namaste

Scrappy Yogi

 

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Random Writings: Water

I have been thinking a lot lately about water. Whether that be drinking water, ocean water or the rainy forecast; the topic has been swirling. I guess what started this random thinking about water was this work week.

This week has been particularly stressful. Long days, lots of emails and lots of project deadlines. Tuesday was the longest day this week and all throughout the day my co workers kept offering me water. I kept refusing since I had my own bottle (see pic above), but then it got me thinking: maybe I don’t drink enough water?

Honestly, it is a struggle to try to remember to drink enough water and I knew once refilled my bottle. Between my love of coffee and carbonated water (not the same as water), getting in the allocated 8-10 glasses is a project for me. Especially when my day is all work and no yoga or workout. This got me thinking on the car ride home. 

Since I knew my body didnt need the water for a workout or yoga, I didn’t bother to take care of it. I just focused on my busy day. When I got home, my head was pounding and I was exhausted. I’m guessing drinking water throughout the day would have helped.

Readers, do you struggle with your water intake?

~Namaste

Scrappy Yogi