Yoga for You

Arizona/Sedona Yoga retreat

2012-01-23T17:39:00.000-08:00

I am so sorry!! I just looked and was shocked to see that I haven't posted on my Yoga blog since March of last year!! Aacckk! For those that follow, I do apologize for having abandoned you completely.

Now, for the good news! I am still teaching yoga classes in Arizona, and in fact, I am getting ready to take a group of fabulous women on a Goddess Yoga retreat to Sedona. I can't even tell you how excited I am about this!! To plan, arrange, facilitate every aspect of taking a group of women away from the real world and create a unique experience of bonding and having the luxury of 5 yoga classes over the 3 day weekend. Planning delicious menus, special music playlists, naming each bedroom of the estate a different beautiful Sanskrit word. Then having the retreat participants research thier bedroom name over the weekend (in only books of course-no electronics allowed!) and learn as much about the sanskrit word as possible, fun!!

So, if you want information to register for the retreat. I will accept one or two late registrations. The dates are Feb. 24, 25, 26th 2012. The cost is $350.00 and includes accomadations at a 5,000 square foot private estate in Sedona, all meals and snacks, 5 yoga classes over the 3 days. And a departure gift for each participant. We begin on Friday at 3:00pm and end on Sunday at 3:00pm. For info contact me: missdaisy7169@gmail.com
Happy New Year, peace and namaste...Andrea

Life in Balance, the balance of Life...

2011-03-04T11:08:00.001-08:00

As I taught my classes this week, I noticed how everyone in class struggled with balance postures. In my 8 years of teaching yoga classes in Arizona, I've noticed this many times before. As soon as students realize we are coming into a balance posture such as knee to chest, or Tree or Warrior 3, they grimace, they sigh, they hem and haw, and most of all, they moan and groan! "Ugg...Not balance, I really hate balance!!"

This week, I really began to examine why. I also began to talk to classes about it. Helping them to understand, beyond the physical reasons. Beyond the fact that it's challenging, out of our control or it feels "uncomfortable", why do we dislike balance so much? Beyond the physical limitations of the body, what about the mental, emotional and spirtual ideals of bringing things into balance. Of just simply trying to keep our life in "balance". On a day to day basis, from the time we wake up in the morning, til the time we go to bed at night, we are struggling and juggling and trying to keep everything in balance. Chances are, if things aren't in balance off the mat, then they probably aren't in balance on the mat either. This is why we struggle with balance postures on the mat. This is why we gringe when the teacher says drop the hand and turn the hip up into Ardha Chandrasana the half moon pose. If we aren't mentally, emotionally and spiritually balanced in our personal lives, we can't possibly expect to get on the mat be grounded, be centered and have physical balance in the one-legged postures in our personal practice.
Maybe though, just maybe, if we can find solitude and acceptance and peace in the balance postures on the mat, maybe ~we can take a little bit of that with us off the mat and out into the world. Maybe be ok with how you are doing it, just for today let it be perfect just how you are doing it...on the mat and off.
Peace, peace, peace...
Namaste~Andrea

All good things must come to an end...

2011-01-25T16:46:00.001-08:00

So, as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. This Saturday January 29, 2011 I say goodbye to Calming Body Effects Studio. This has been my yoga home for teaching and working the desk for the last year.

I was blessed to teach at one studio, in one place for the last year. Without anyone telling me what music to play, what to teach and what not to teach. I had absolute freedom as an instructor, without judgment and criticism. What a gift that is!

Having that freedom to develop my yoga classes gave the yoga clients at CBE the freedom to develop a love of yoga and also a love of themselves.

It was my pleasure to teach the beautiful clients at CBE. Thank you for embracing me, sharing your lives with me, and being on my journey the past year. I love you all! You were a joy to have in class, and you will be missed.

Peace & Blessings...

Namaste~Andrea

Healing the body with Yoga

2010-12-07T10:57:00.000-08:00

Yoga for Sciatica
By Andrea Hutchens

The term sciatica is described by sufferers of the condition as leg pain and tingling, pins and needles, numbness or possibly even weakness that originates in the low back and travels down through the buttocks via the sciatic nerve in the back of the leg. Typically, the symptoms are only felt on one side of the body at a time.

Although sciatica is a relatively common condition, the true meaning and cause is often misunderstood. Sciatica itself is a set of symptoms rather than a diagnosis for what is actually irritating the root of the nerve, causing the pain. People that suffer from sciatica describe it as a pain going straight down one side of the buttock. Flare-ups of the condition are often times brought on by and increase in everyday stress, sitting or standing for long periods of time, or sitting with legs crossed.

While it may seem counterintuitive, exercise is usually better for healing sciatic pain rather than bed rest. Patients may rest a day or two after their sciatica flares up, but after that time period, inactivity will usually make the pain worse. Usually a ‘general’ yoga class with mixed postures and stretches will just aggravate or make sciatic pain worse. For example, many poses such as Downward Facing Dog (a core yoga pose practiced in nearly every yoga class) or standing postures, will just put too much pressure on an already irritated nerve. For this reason, a specific set of stretches and exercises has been developed for sciatica sufferers. Some of the exercises recommended include; but are not limited to:

Piriformis Stretch
Crocodile Twist
Supine (reclining) knee to chest pose
Supine Cobblers Pose
Passive back arch pose
Saddle Pose
Pigeon Pose

Yoga for sciatica exercises are recommended for a specific condition. They can help improve flexibility and stretching of the muscles compressing the nerve. However, they must be practiced on a regular basis (some twice a day), and should be performed correctly to be effective. Close attention to posture and alignment is key to achieving maximum benefits and results. Working with a certified Yoga Instructor that has specific knowledge and experience of yoga for sciatica is suggested.

* Please note: The above yoga exercises were adapted from “Yoga: The Path to Holistic Health” by B.K.S Iyengar. As always, consult your physician before beginning any new exercise regimen.

Air Module Begins...

2010-08-31T13:08:00.000-07:00

This weekend began my last module (4 months each) of my 16 month Master Teacher Training program at Inner Vision Studios. Yikes! I am so not ready for my program to come to an end. But, I must listen to my own words as a teacher and "Be present" and enjoy every moment.
This weekend we focused mostly on Chapter 4 of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras-Kaivalym. I learned that Kaivalym means freedom. It also means isolation. It can be thought of as the freedom that comes to the mind through meditation. Kaivalym can also mean "alone" or to be alone in ones mind and to be able to feel contentment in that~brings us ultimate freedom.
An important Yoga Sutra that we learned this weekend that resonanted with me was
YS 4.19~ "A thought cannot illuminate itself." It order for it to become a thought it needs us to bring awareness to it. Think of it this way, the Moon cannot illuminate itself, it needs the sun.
Namaste for now~
Andrea

Summer 2010 wrap-up!!

2010-08-22T15:29:00.000-07:00

New Tattoo-"Andrea" in Sanskrit/Devangari
Full Wheel-Urdhva Danurasana on the Red Rocks

One arm side balance-Vasishtasana

Well, Summer 2010 is just about coming to an end. The summer brought a break in between my master teacher training modules. My last module, "Air Module" begins on Friday August 27. Although I've missed seeing my friends and fellow yogis at the studio, the summer brought many fun times and new adventures in my life.
As the summer began, I took a lovely trip to Lake Powell and Rainbow Bridge for the first time. I found that being on a boat out on the water brings a different type of meditation and peace to be enjoyed. I spent many weekends this summer up in Sedona. A place I feel very connected too. I am fortunate to have a good friend in my life that has an amazing home with beautiful views of the red rocks. A sanctuary, if you will. I was able to escape the heat of the valley and go re-connect with nature and myself nearly every weekend. I went on a quad for the first time this summer. Got my third tattoo with dear sweet Siva in Cornville at Sacred Fire tattoos again. Grew to love arm balances and made many new friends. Went 4-wheeling up broken arrow trail to submarine rock, only this time in a hummer. Listened to a lot of great Pandora music, indulged in some delicious food and took a lot of time to smile, breathe and Be Present.

"Do you know what it is to feel the light of love inside you

and all the darkness falls away"~ Dave Matthews Band

Namaste for now~Andrea

Earth Module comes to an end...

2010-06-16T12:08:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, brought the end of Earth Module, the third module in my master teacher training at Inner Vision Yoga. As always, I reach the end of this module with gratitude for my teachers, all that I have learned in the last 10 months, and for my fellow students in the program. I am also grateful that I am not done!!! I have one more module in the fall beginning at the end of August and going to the beginning of December.
So, with todays post I'd like to wrap up the module with some wonderful words of wisdom that my guru, my master teacher, Jeff Martens shared with us on Sunday:

* Life is the ultimate Guru~the ultimate teacher!!
* When you teach, unexpected things will happen during class, It is your job as a master teacher to find the GIFT in it!
*Trust yourself completely to be lead by higher action~ "sacred action".
*Teach from a place of helping people to evolve to another state of being. To looking at life with a different, evolved perspective.
*Always respond, never react-reacting comes from a place of fear. Be present, Breathe and Trust.
*Just choose to step out of the way of conflict. It is like a punch that doesn't connect with anything. There is no force there to resist, so it loses energy.
*Teaching a yoga class is always about the students, NOT YOU!
*And lastly, Quitting is not an option! Krishna says to do your work fully and surrender the fruits of your actions.

~This is Karma Yoga~

Peace, love, Namaste and Congratulations to Bobu, Ken, Lynette and Brigette who graduated from the program on Sunday. I will miss you all!!♥

Yoga is recess for grown-ups!!

2010-05-19T13:11:00.000-07:00

Let's face it, as adults, noone ever tells us to 'go out and play' anymore. So your yoga practice is a really important time to play and hopefully have fun, even if it is only one hour out of your day. Often when I teach class, you will hear me say, "If we're not having fun, we're doing it wrong!!" In fact, just two days ago, I taught a yoga with free weights class where I playfully gave "imaginary" points for smiling during class and took away points when students faces were entirely too serious. It kept the mood of the class light and fun. We have the rest of the day to take ourselves too seriously! Your yoga practice is your time. And if headstand or happy baby

don't feel like recess to you, then I don't know what does.

Have fun with your yoga practice!

Namaste~Andrea

(Thank you Maria Kowch for the weekend workshop at Inner Vision Yoga and the idea of yoga being recess for adults.)

Weekend with Nicholai Bachman...

2010-04-12T11:48:00.000-07:00

This weekend started Earth Module, the 3rd module out of four in my Master Teacher training program at Inner Vision Yoga. We had a guest teacher for the 3-day training, Sanskrit scholar Nicholai Bachman. I thought the weekend was wonderful and really enjoyed learning the sanskrit alphabet and learning to chant some of the yoga sutras.

Here is some info on Sanskrit:

~Sanskrit is the language of teaching/sharing yoga.

~It is considered the "language of the Gods", a 'devine' language.

~Sanskrit is still spoke fluently in India today, so it is not a 'dead language'.

~Sanskrit is set apart from all other languages in India and is kept alive by Brahmans (priests/holy men). Passed down for generations...

~ Sanskrit is read left to right, top to bottom just like English and it lives through the "sound",

the direct experience of it. The primary "prana" (or life force) of Sanskrit is the sound.

~Every vowel has a short one beat form and a two beat long form.

Backbending = Heart Opening...

2010-03-27T21:21:00.001-07:00

This is the last weekend of "Fire Module" (for me the 2nd module out of 4 total) in my Master Teacher Training at Inner Vision Yoga Studio. The weekends focus is Backbending, otherwise known as heart opening. Because backbends are heart openers, if a student is guarded or closed off at the heart center they will not feel comfortable or safe in the various backbending postures. Nor will they be able to receive the benefits of the pose; the physical, emotional or spirtual benefits that the pose provides.

The pose pictured above is Natarajasana or Dancer Pose. Although dancer is a balance posture, it is also considered a backbend because of the level of heart opening that the pose can acheive when practiced correctly.

Here are just a few verbal ques for teaching Dancer Pose:

~You must ground thru whatever is making contact with the earth. For example here-the standing/supporting leg.

~Imagine moving the energy up from the earth all the way to the crown of the head for lengthening.

~Always find "spaciousness" in the heart center.

~Try not to leak energy out of your navel point. Draw the navel point in and keep the tailbone down.

~Keep the shoulder integrated of the arm that is lifted (draw the arm back into the socket).

And reach from a place of softness.

**Once you reach a place of stillness in the posture, pause & hold for 20 seconds, finding the breath and...let go of everything you thought you knew, and be open to the unknown.

Namaste~Andrea

(these teaching tips are from the brilliant mind of Master Teacher Jeff Martens at Inner Vision Yoga Studios in Arizona.)

Chewylou Designs!

2010-03-21T19:59:00.000-07:00

Andrea Hutchens in Chewylou "Breathe" long sleeve tee:

Have you heard the great news? I am the newest Arizona Rep (Independent Account Executive) for Chewylou Yoga Apparel. I am very excited about this opportunity and very proud to be chosen to represent Chewylou at area yoga studios and trunk shows.

I stand behind these yoga clothes and wouldn't endorse them if I didn't believe in the quality of the product and the message of these beautiful tees, shorts, capris and yoga pants.

This wonderful clothing line for Yoginis and Yogis alike was created by a dear friend of mine named Alyssa Dinowitz. Alyssa and I did our 200 hour Hatha Yoga teacher training together back in 2002-2003 at Chi Yoga Institute in Ahwatukee (Phoenix).

Chewylou is a clothing line created to exemplify the good qualities that we could all work to develop or enhance in ourselves. Every tee has a message to not only inspire who is wearing it, but those around them or perhaps behind them in a Yoga class!

Chewylou Designs is an amazing local company not only because it was started by a good friend, but also because they actively support a variety of non-profit charitable organizations. And all of the screenprinting is done at Michael's Garden, a local production center which provides vocational opportunities to adults with special needs.

To find out more about Chewylou Designs and see the full collection of yoga, workout and spa apparel, visit us online at http://www.chewylou.com/

Hope, Dream and Have Faith!

~Andrea

Taking the mystery out of...

2010-03-15T14:07:00.000-07:00

Yoga Instructor Andrea Hutchens in Anjali Mudra

Namaste~
Namaste: Is a word of greeting, often used in conjunction with a gesture that brings the hands in front of the heart. It means, simply put: I honor the place in you that is love, truth, light and peace. When you are in that place within yourself and I am in that place within myself, we are one.

Beautiful Yoginis

2010-03-10T07:27:00.000-08:00

Pictured above: Kim Catalanotto, Andrea Hutchens, E-RYT, Kim Greene, & Kristin Medved
From Seville Golf & Country in south Gilbert where I was Group Fitness Coordinator and Lead Yoga Instructor for three years.
Love ♥ You Girls!
Namaste~Andrea

A BIG THANK YOU!!!

2010-02-28T17:36:00.000-08:00

~Sedona Goddess Retreat Recap coming soon....

But until then, I want to send a big thank you to Todd Shreve owner of Red Desert Developments who pulled my new car out of inches of yummy Sedona mud today and then lead me to safety and the highway. Thank you for being my knight in shining armour! :)
-Call me, I owe you dinner sometime when you're down in Phoenix.
Peace everyone-back soon....~Andrea

Tantra Yoga~The Pathless Path...

2010-02-22T14:06:00.001-08:00

*Pictured above is Shiva Nataraj, the symbol for Tantra Yoga~telling us all, "It's just a dance...all the world is just a cosmic dance...

The subject of Tantra is you...

This weekend in master teacher training at Inner Vision Yoga we spent three days studying Tantra Yoga with Jeff Martens. Here is a little of what I took from the weekend:

-Tantra asks you to be completely present, to practice complete awareness.

-The greatest courage is to be present, not to run, or numb out or look for distraction~but to face whatever it is head on.

-To accept yourself completely is a path to liberation.

-Tantra says to use all of your senses to have a direct experience of life. To become more aware.

-In Tantra, karma comes from incomplete action. Incomplete action is something you are not fully present for.
**Above all, it is an Experience!

Life is to be experienced!!

Namaste~Andrea

Current Teaching Schedule....

2010-02-10T14:55:00.000-08:00

My teaching schedule is changing daily!
So please keep checking back to see where you can find me for a class!
Peace, Love & Light~Andrea

Monday March 8

5:30- 6:30 pm Yoga w/ weights Calming Effects Studio

6:45-7:45 pm All Levels Yoga Calming Effects Studio

Tuesday March 9

3:30-4:30pm Breathe Stretch & Relax Calming Effects Studio

4:45-5:45 pm Gentle Beginner Calming Effects Studio

Wednesday March 10
5:45pm-6:45 pm Yoga w/weights Calming Effects Studio

Thursday March 11

8:30-9:30 am Gentle Beginner Calming Effects Studio

9:45-10:45 am Yoga w/weights Calming Effects Studio

Thursday March 11
7pm Yoga Flow Yoga Deva Studio

*I'll post more classes & subbing soon.
You'll also be able to find me at the Funky Buddha Studio in Chandler very soon!
Thanks!

Patanjalis Yoga Sutra

2010-01-21T14:10:00.001-08:00

The Highlights of weekend 1:

YS 1.1: With great respect and love, now the blessings of Yoga instruction are offered.
( As interpreted by Mukunda Stiles).
Thus begins Patanjalis Yoga Sutra.
This weekend in advanced teacher training at Inner Vision Yoga we studied chapter 1-Samadhi Pada of the Yoga Sutras.
In chapter one, Patanjali tells us that yoga is a path of direct experience. You can read about it all you want to, but to know it, you must live it. You must practice. Clarity happens through the practice. Through direct experience only.
Patanjali also tells us that you can use the mind to find freedom. Freedom can be achieved. But freedom is not in the mind.

The Yoga Sutras is one of the original yoga texts that may as old as 2,500 years. Nobody really knows who Patanjali was or when he lived. But his text of sutras (or threads) are flowers that keep blooming and flowering for us still today. Patanjali weaves the threads of ancient yogic knowledge into a detailed map of human possibility for us to navigate, even today.

It is important to know that the process of yoga, as described by Patanjali in the sutras, does not talk about changing the outside world. But rather, doing the work from the inside. From the inside-out. There is nothing wrong with the outside world. You already are what you are seeking, you just have to find the right path to it. Yoga can be such a path.

One last beautiful note on the teachings of this last weekend. *When you are not in the state of yoga (or union), you let the "Chitta Vritti" (chattering mind) drag you around. Drag you around through life. You are no longer the leader, you are the follower. When you follow the mind, you don't know who you are. Be the leader, take control of the mind stuff. Get on your mat, or on your meditation cushion and get in there. Get quiet and find out who you really are.

Fire Module!

2010-01-10T09:54:00.000-08:00

Friday January 15th, 2010 marks the beginning of my second module in my advanced teacher training program. I enjoyed the first module~The Water Module~ so much that I can't wait to get started again!
I am SO excited for this next module of training to begin.
The "Fire" module studies consist of:

Yoga Sutras Chapter 1 (Samadhi)

Jnana Yoga of the Bhagavad Gita (and selections from the Upanishads)
Backbends and the Anatomy of the Spine
Vedic Cosmology
Tantra Yoga
The Performance Art of Teaching Yoga

So join me! Come along for the journey! Put me on your RSS feed so you receive every update!

I promise again to be more consistent with my posting. As always, life is busy and full of challenges and surprises, but I will try to post what we have learned about in training after every weekend of classes.

Namaste til then! Peace, love, light & blessings~Andrea

Om shanti, shanti, shanti...

2009-12-28T09:41:00.001-08:00

Om, peace, peace, peace...

This mantra is an invocation of peace, often repeated at the end of a session or practice of yoga or meditation. It has two purposes. First, it affirms that peace is available to us at any moment that we choose to tune in to it. Second, repeating this mantra helps to create more peace in the world. According to yoga philosophy, when we call something into being with a pure heart and a focused mind, we are using our consciuosness to shape reality. This is the primary purpose of all mantras: They are tools to manifest intention.

To extract the full power of this beautiful mantra, visualize each word's impact as you recite it.

For example, when reciting the first shanti, you can think of it as asking for peace for yourself; with the second shanti, peace for your family and friends; and with the third , peace for the entire planet.

When you do this with full faith, full devotion and focused intention, you will create greater opportunities to call peace into all aspects of your life.

Namaste~Andrea

The End of Water Module...

2009-12-06T16:21:00.000-08:00

Today, December 6 th, 2009 and was the last day of the Water Module (one four month module out of four total) in my Advanced Teacher Training studies at Inner Vision Yoga.
This weekends focus was Inversions. The benefits of inversions, the practice of inversions, the teaching of inversions. The knowledge of what glands we are stimulating by practicing inversions (going upside down). Most importantly, that inversions (such as headstand, handstand, plow and shoulderstand) are meant to bring a sense of calm, rather than a sense of panic and fear.

The most important part of this last weekend of training in water module - and of today, this last day of this module, is that we graduate and send three more beautiful master yoga teachers from the program and send them out into the world~to make the world a better place with their teachings. Congratualtions to Kathy, Terese and Colleen!!

I find myself being grateful that I am only in my first module and that I am not finished with this journey of learning just yet. I have taken so much from my first module and am already applying it in my teaching and my everyday life off the mat.

Beautiful call & response from Jeff Martens:
Om so hum
So hum sa-ha

Om so hum
So hum sa-ha

I am that... I am
I am...that I am
I am that...I am
I am that I ....am.

Namaste. Peace, love & light~Andrea

Flowin' with Cohen!

2009-11-24T18:28:00.000-08:00

This weekend in ATT (advanced teacher training) we had a guest teacher. The beautiful Lisa Cohen came to Inner Vision Yoga to guest teach a master workshop called "Being in the Flow".

Lisa taught us about creative sequencing, fun music, incorporating a theme or metaphor into your teaching and above all~ don't forget to be JOYOUS and have a sense of humor!

* Here are a few more teaching tips from Lisa:

~ Teach what you know!

~Create a Theme or idea for each class have a message you want to convey, something they can take with them into the world.

~Find your voice (not someone else's). It is okay to borrow someone else's words, but messages that ring true to you will stick with you and seem more genuine.

~Be joyous! Rejoice! Ujayyi-victorious, try not to take it all too seriously.

~Being scared is a waste of time! Feel the fear and do it anyway (on or off the mat).

Namaste~Andrea

Movie recommendation...

2009-11-15T12:35:00.000-08:00

Last weekend in my master teacher training program at Inner Vision Yoga studio in Chandler, we talked about quantum physics in relation to yoga practice, specifically Patanjalis last three limbs; Dhrana, Dhyana and samadhi.

I highly recommend this movie, "What the Bleep (do you know)!?" This movie will make you think, question your own existence and hopefully open your eyes and mind to a whole new way of thinking about your relation to the universe we live in.

Namaste~Andrea

My Yoga Kula

2009-10-25T18:01:00.001-07:00

Every once in a while, if we are lucky enough, we get the chance to spend some quality time with like minded individuals who share a common passion or a common goal. This weekend I had the chance to escape from the every day and find some peace and serenity on a 3- day Yoga Retreat with Inner Vision Studio.

The retreat was in the white mountains of Arizona in the quaint town of Christopher Creek just past the city of Payson. The air was crisp with fall, the sky so blue against the tall pines and the trees were joyously turning colors for our arrival.

The group of 40 self-proclaimed yoga enthusiasts joined our fearless leaders and master teachers for the weekend; Maredith and Josh, up at Christopher Creek Lodge. With pine needles on our sticky mats, we embarked on our journey of 4 yoga classes in three days and a beautiful 3 mile hike around Woods Canyon Lake. Meals were shared together, some enjoyed dancing, playing board games, and even a bonfire til the late hours of the night. Making new friends and enjoying conversations about how we found yoga and what it means to us today makes us all realize, that we come for one reason or another- to share a common experience of creating more peace in the world one breath at a time.

In sanskrit the word Kula means community. An intentional community which promotes creativity, wellness, healing and personal growth with an awareness of the sacred. A yoga kula means friends, energy, spirit and support. I was privileged this weekend to become part of the Inner Vision Yoga kula. I take with me from this weekend the love and warmth of my yoga kula, knowing that it is there for me anytime I need it, on or off the mat.
Namaste~Andrea
(photo is of the entire Inner Vision retreat group before saturdays yoga hike around Woods Canyon Lake).

Downward Facing Dogs!!

2009-10-14T19:12:00.001-07:00

Not sure what the soldier is doing, but to me this looks like an outdoor Yoga class
with some beautiful dogs being lead by their Yoga Instructor!
Just thought you might enjoy this one!!
Namaste~Andrea

The Bhagavad Gita

2009-09-20T16:45:00.001-07:00

The Bhagavad Gita

This ancient yogic text was the subject of the first weekend of my advanced yoga teacher training studies at Inner Vision Studio. This text is challenging to the reader to say the least.

Is it a true story? An allegory, or maybe a metaphor?? Is it possible for a book to be all three; true, an allegory and a working metaphor all at once?!

*More answers and insights will be coming soon!!

Namaste til then~Andrea

Andrea recommends...

2009-09-14T17:35:00.000-07:00

These are just a few of my latest and greatest finds in the Organic -better for you- world that is available to us all.

I figured that this time, I would take the pics of the food items on my actual kitchen table so that you know for sure that I walk the talk! In other words, yes I really do eat and drink all of this yummy/good for you stuff!

All of my current "Andrea recommends..." items can be found at Costco.

From top to bottom we have:

1- Organic Creamy Tomato and Basil soup

2- Pacific- Organic Free Range Chicken Broth (great to start a nice homemade soup out with)

3- Kirkland Organic Mocha Caffe Frappe

4- Pacific - Organic Ready to Drink Iced Tea (in lemon, it also comes in 2 other flavors)

5- World Gourmet-Garden Veggie Staws- my new favorite -when I need a crunch snack!

6- Tribe- All natural Hummus- in the Classic Snacker Pack Box. **These are truly great because you get 16 little/single serve containers. All you need is a zip-loc of cut-up celery and you are ready to go!!

So enjoy!!

Namaste until next time~Andrea

A new journey!

2009-08-31T20:11:00.000-07:00

Come with me on a new journey! On Friday September 11th I begin my Advanced Teacher Training studies at Inner Vision Yoga Studio. I will do my best to post more frequently and keep you updated on what I am learning in my continuing education training. The next 300 hours of my certification (to become a 500 hour RYT) will take me 16 months to complete. Even though I already have a 200 hour Hatha Yoga certification and have taught more than 1,000 hours of Yoga classes, I am scared and excited about the upcoming training schedule and requirements. My life is already busy with a husband, full-time job in marketing and two teenage boys with activities such as football and church youth group. But the one thing I know for sure, after a busy day with my boys and the stress that comes with work-my mat-my yoga mat is the one place I feel totally in my skin, at peace with the world around me. I teach yoga to share this feeling with others-so that they can feel at peace with themselves and the world too.

Namaste~Andrea

Saturday Boot Camp!

2009-08-18T20:31:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

Some of you already know that I am running "Yoga for Life & Fitness" BootCamp every Saturday morning in Gilbert! The response has been great so far and I'm having a lot of fun combining my love of the outdoors, my group fitness knowledge and the unlimited benefits of Yoga into a one hour BootCamp style class.

Class includes:

-Cardio

- Legs/glutes

-Arms/shoulders

-Abs

-Yoga poses

-Stretching

We meet at the Track at Mesquite Jr. High which is just west of Gilbert Road between Warner and Elliot off Mesquite Rd. A quick Map quest will get you there!

**Drop-in class is only $10.00 while I work on the build-out of an official Website for this program. More days, times , locations and teachers will be announced as the weather becomes cooler.

Please be there a little early if it is your first time to sign a waiver.

Meet 8:15 am- we work out from 8:30 -9:30 am, and there is a Jamba Juice up the road at Gilbert and Baseline if anybody wants to grab a friend and have a chat after -or just go with me!!

Join me on my latest venture!

Namaste~Andrea

Boot Camp Testimonial-

Since never doing/practicing yoga before I didn't know what to expect. Andrea did a great job of mixing a physical workout with yoga. She is an excellent teacher that is informative, encouraging, and shares her knowledge with ease. Andrea instructed how to properly do the pose, took the time to make adjustments, and explained what you should be focusing on to take full advantage of the class. Andrea creates an atmosphere that is supportive and there was no sense of "competition" or judgement in her class. After the class I had more energy throughout the day, all of my muscles were more relaxed and I felt more flexibility and motion in areas that have been previously sore or limited range of motion. Andrea made my first experience a memorable one and I cannot wait to go again!

~Steve S. in Gilbert

Yoga for Life & Fitness! New Website-New Outdoor Yoga and Fitness BootCamp Coming Soon to Gilbert Yoga Kula!!

2009-07-22T20:30:00.001-07:00

What an interesting summer this has been!!
New posts coming soon!
Peace til then~Andrea

Have a great summer!!

2009-06-01T09:50:00.000-07:00

Hello all Yogis and Yoginis!

Thank you for the continued support of my little piece of the web! I will be taking a break from my yoga blog "Yoga for You" for the summer for some much needed family time and travel.

Keep up with your yoga practice and meditation and your journey of self-discovery through the beautiful warm months otherwise known as summer! Get outdoors! Do something in nature, a hike, a boat ride, a picnic-just enjoy being outside in the sun. I know I will!!

Peace & Blessings to all~Andrea

*Featured pose- Vasisthasana-side plank pose- one arm balance. Builds shoulder, upper arm and back strength. This yoga asana transcends gravity! It requires stamina, strength and detailed attention to alignment.

**Also- I leave with you a book to read over the summer:

"Happens every day" - Isabel Gilles

Just thought I'd share

2009-05-25T09:51:00.000-07:00

Vrksasana-Tree Pose

Clarifies just how challenging it can be to stand on one leg.
A balancing posture like tree pose may take you to your edge, but finding your center will keep you from toppling over.
*Photo taken on Peralta Trail/Weavers Needle-photo by my hiking partner Angie Bulkley.

Guest Teaching Appearance!

2009-04-30T10:35:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone!

I am excited to annouce that I will be guest teaching a FREE Yoga class at the Lucy Clothing Store at San Tan Village Mall on Friday May 15th.

I will be at the store from 2-6pm that day giving Fitness tips and Yoga advice and the Free class will be from 5-6 pm in-store.

All you need to do is go in store now and sign up!

Hope to see you there!

Namaste~Andrea

Andrea recommends...

2009-02-21T15:48:00.001-08:00

The last one...
This is a beautiful Yoga book, "The Yoga of Discipline" by Swami Chidvilasananda. Any yogi or yogini will enjoy the beautiful words of this wonderful, wise one. How to apply yoga principles to your everyday life...yoga off the mat. Peace~ enjoy my recommendations~Namaste for now~Andrea The next item is...Honest Tea. I love the Organic Honey Green Tea which has 250mg of EGCG Super-Antioxidant in every bottle! They say if you can eat or drink things that have five ingredients or less it is better for you. The ingredients in this tea: organic can sugar (only 9g), organic green tea, organic honey, citric acid and purified water. Costco even carries it in a 12 pack, and who doesn't shop at Costco nowadays?? **Tip: try pouring some tea in a mug and warming to drink in the a.m.-yum!! Here is the next fantastic-must have item I am recommending...The Lip Scrub by Sara Happ!! It comes in different "flavors" you could say. I love the Brown Sugar lip scrub. You're asking, "What does lip scrub have to do with a Blog about Yoga?" Well, part of a regular yoga practice is wanting to look and feel your best, and this lip scrub makes my lips feel great!! Just like yoga-younger and revitalized! Give it a try! You can find it online or if you live in Gilbert, AZ with me, you can find it at my hair place with my hair gal Molly.
OK, here are the other little beauties I am recommending....
Pamela's Products Simplebites Extreme Chocolate Mini Cookies!!!
I can't begin to tell you how good these little chocolate cookies are! They have a real chocolate taste, a nice crunch to them and they are All Natural, Wheat-Free, Gluten Free and 0 Trans Fat!! Again...guilt free!!

The first "food item" I am recommending is...

Late July Organic Dark Chocolate Intense and Decadent Sandwich Cookies!
These cookies are Yummy!!! I found my package at Sprouts.So try your local health food store.

They have 4g of whole grains per serving servings + antioxidants.

For me, I can have one after dinner and satisfy my craving for something sweet with absolutely no guilt whatsoever!!

Enjoy!!

Dear Yoga Queen

2009-02-06T16:27:00.000-08:00

I have a question for your blog:

I am approaching my 40th birthday very soon and am considering starting a yoga program.

Can yoga really improve my flexibility even at my age?

~Amanda

Dear Amanda,

That's a great question. The answer is yes, it is never too late to improve flexibilty! When it comes to flexibility the first thing people usually think of is simply touching their toes. Which I recommend doing every day in the shower to start getting the body moving. In many cases, low back pain is caused by tight hamstrings (the muscles that lie at the back of the legs above the knee) which cause the hips and pelvis to rotate back, flattening the lower back and causing back problems. Touching the toes everyday can help to reduce, if not eliminate some of the back pain that 80 % of Americans complain about.

When we are talking about "flexibilty" we are really not talking about the bed of the muscle itself, but the ligaments, tendons and connective tissues. When connective tissue is unused or under used (when not stretching), it provides significant resistance and limits flexibility. The elastin ( a component of the tissue) begins to fray and loses some of its elasticity, and the collagen (another component) increases in stiffness and in density. Aging has some of the effects on connective tissue that lack of use has. So it is time to get moving with 40 fast approaching!

As a yoga instructor, the #1 complaint I hear is, "I'm just not flexible." And my answer is always the same, "That's okay, it will come with time." You should expect to increase flexibility gradually. A yoga class is a great place to start as a certified instructor can guide you safely in and out of the stretches. It is important to never use force or frustration. Your body will actually progress more if you yield or surrender to a stretch and use the exhalation to go deeper.

Namaste~Andrea

Embracing Change...

2009-01-10T19:25:00.000-08:00

Our story begins...

Once there was a frog who lived in a well.... this well was the only home this little froggy had ever known. One day, a beautiful swan came along and landed on the side of the well. The frog had never seen a swan before, and so a conversation began.
The swan eventually asked the frog, "Have you never been outside of this well? It is beautiful, it is huge out here, so much to see, so much to do!" The frog, with a confused look on his froggy face, began to swim furiously around his well. From one side to the other, with incredible energy he swam all around the circumference of the well. Then looking up at the swan he asked, "Surely it isn't bigger than this?" As he looked around at the water in his well. The swan replied, "Yes, it is, it is huge out here and beautiful, there is sooo much to see and to do!" Again, the frog began to swim furiously all around his well. From one side to the other and began again, all around three more times, then panting he asked the swan, "Surely, it isn't bigger than THIS?!" The swan, looking annoyed this time said, "Yes. It IS bigger than this, and stop calling me Shirley!" And the
beautiful swan flew off never to be seen again.
The moral of our story: If we are never open what is bigger and better out there, we will never know. If we keep swimming around in the same well day after day doing the same routine, we will never know change. We have to make small steps every day away from our normal routine if we are in search of change, or something different, or something better.
This year I encourage you-my blog followers-get out of your well!
(this story was borrowed from the wonderful Yogi Jeff Martens at IVY and the beautiful Yogini
Maredith also at IVY who never fail to put a small smile on my face even though they are kickin my behind in Yoga class)
Namaste-Andrea

A note for the New Year

2008-12-16T19:55:00.000-08:00

Most of us make New Years resolutions about losing a little weight, getting healthier, maybe cleaning out the garage and donating more. These are all great ideas. This year, why not think big!? Ask yourself: Are you living the life you want? Are you doing the most with your gifts? Are you making the most out of your time on this planet? I realize that these are big questions. I'm not assuming (nor should you) that there is anything wrong with the life you have now. I'm talking about living the life you dream of and deserve. Consider it a check up for your spirit and your soul. What small steps do you need to take? It might be as simple as breaking a habit that is detrimental to your health, leaving a job that is no longer fulfilling (or starting one that feels a little scary) or finally taking up a hobby or sport that has intimidated you in the past (I'm going to take ice skating lessons at the new local ice rink!) It might mean figuring out how to carve out more time for an activity (like Yoga classes) or for a person you love.

I'm sure you can think of a million reasons why you can't or shouldn't "rock the boat" in your life. Instead of focusing on the obstacles, why not begin by envisioning what your life would look like if you could design it to your exact specifications. How would you spend an average day? Who would you like to be with? How do you picture yourself feeling physically and emotionally? When you really let that sink in, you may decide the end result is worth the risk of taking the steps you need to get there.

It's your life, after all. Make this your year!

Peace & Blessings for the New year~Andrea

Be present.

2008-11-30T09:40:00.001-08:00

The 'present' is a gift.

It is no secret that dwelling on the past and worrying about the future causes us stress, sadness, guilt, regret and ultimately mild to severe depression. Too often we are stuck on a past event or looking too far into the future. In other words, not being in the 'now'.
When I am teaching yoga, I give many gentle verbal reminders during class to "Be present" to "Be here-now". One easy way to bring yourself into the present moment is to focus on your breathing. Allow yourself to feel the length of your inhalation and the quality of your exhalation. Filling and emptying the lungs completely not only brings the awareness to the breath, it brings you into the moment. Deep breathing is also good for you! Breathing deeply lowers your blood pressure which in turn slows your heart rate making you feel more calm and relaxed.
The idea of being truly present in our lives and liberated from our past and our future can transform our thinking.Can transform...your life. The result? More joy, right now!!
Namaste~Andrea

Help with your Holiday Shopping!

2008-11-11T18:19:00.001-08:00

For those that need a little help shopping for that special "yogi" or "yogini" in your life, visit www.rapunzelgifts.com for some great ideas.

Peace...Om Shanti~Andrea

Trip to Sedona

2008-10-16T17:30:00.001-07:00

My trip to Sedona last week with my sister Cathy was amazing! This photo was taken at the Secret Garden Cafe in Tlaquepaque where we had a delicious lunch. We enjoyed spending time together, talking, window-shopping and ...breathing. We welcomed fall with open arms and open minds. Fall means change, something we have to keep our minds open to (and sometimes our hearts)
This was probably my 12th visit to Sedona. My first was when I was 12 years old and new to Arizona. I'm positive that back then I didn't appreciate the beauty and spirituality of this sacred place as I do now.
When I am there, I feel more connected to the earth, to nature and to my authentic self.
When hiking, or just walking, I am reminded to be mindful and present.
When entering a restaurant or shop, I am reminded that I am bringing my energy into that room, into that space.
Yes, it is easier to be present and grateful when you are somewhere so beautiful, so grand. The challenge to us all is to find the beauty and gratitude in the everyday.
Peace & Blessings~Andrea

Mini-Yogi Testimonial

2008-10-07T15:26:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Kelly Kettrick!
Kelly won a $15.00 Starbucks gift card for sharing her Mini-Yogis class testimonial.
(pictured above Kelly and new baby Millie in their new home-Spokane Washington.)
Thank you Kelly! We miss you!!

Sedona!

2008-10-02T16:59:00.000-07:00

Join me in Sedona Oct 8, 9, & 10.

Find out how by leaving a comment...

Andrea

Walking Meditation

2008-09-23T19:44:00.000-07:00

There is a Buddhist exercise that teaches us to appreciate the spiritual qualities of nature and living in the present moment. It is called, "walking meditation". It is designed to stop us from hurrying, dashing, rushing...when our "steps print anxiety and sorrow on our earth". In this meditation we walk slowly, mindfully alone or with a friend, preferably in a beautiful place. We walk as though we were the happiest person on earth. We walk not thinking about the past or worrying about the future. We walk, being present. We stop our minds from darting around. We transform our walking path to a field for meditation-our feet taking every step in full awareness. Breathing (pranayama) and stepping in harmony. Calming the chattering mind (citta vritti nirodhah). Namaste~Andrea

Photo Shoot

2008-09-12T09:50:00.001-07:00

Today I have been invited to be a part of a magazine photo shoot at Yoga Deva Studio.

The photo shoot is actually to showcase the work of the wonderful architect that designed this beautiful space-Matthew Trziabatowski. If you haven't visited Yoga Deva Studio in Gilbert yet, what are you waiting for?! Come see me...come see this beautiful, sacred, blessed yoga space.

Come find out what it means to be more of yourself than ever before through yoga.

Peace & Blessings.

Namaste~Andrea

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

2008-09-09T14:08:00.001-07:00

I guess we have Ganesha to thank for this one! Since my blog has been restored just after I posted all of our good thoughts go to him-the remover of obstacles. Namaste -Andrea

Yoga Classes!

2008-08-05T20:46:00.000-07:00

I will soon be teaching at Yoga Deva studio!
Please keep checking back for my class days and times!
Peace and Blessings to you all!!~Andrea

Yoga Testimonial

2008-07-16T20:44:00.000-07:00

What Yoga and Andrea mean to me

"Honor yourself and those in the room for being here", is how Andrea ends each yoga practice. Having Andrea's yoga classes come into my life when they did, was a very important event for me personally. When Andrea says this, it is at the end of the practice, and it really does feel like we have honored ourselves and those around us. We have taken steps in very busy lives to do something for ourselves. Yoga with Andrea is a luxury that is similar to going and having a great massage at a spa-where you leave feeling relaxed, refreshed and energized at the same time. Yoga helps I think, particularly busy women who are constantly giving to others, but not always filling their own needs. This 3 to 4 times a week experience helps me to not only tone my physical body- but also to renew my spirit and help me to deal with life's experience better.

My thanks to Andrea for always making each class special and for putting so much of herself into each and every practice. Everything from the selection of the wonderful music that she plays and her step by step verbalization of what each pose is and how to do it has made going back to yoga for me very easy and relaxing.

Andrea also uses our classes to remind us of who we are-that we are not our work and whatever that is- it is just the work that we do not who we are, that the poses we embrace will help our bodies be more supple for each and every day ahead.

Thank you Andrea for being a great teacher and person!

Sharon-A returning Yoga advocate and devotee.

(pictured above: Yoga Instructor Andrea Hutchens with Lisa El Tawil, Sharon Dorris, Susan Baumhover, Joan Von Feldt and Kim Greene.)

Coming soon....

2008-07-13T14:02:00.000-07:00

Yoga testimonials from Sharon Dorris and Rick & Grace Greer.
*If you would like to submit a testimonial
email me at missdaisy7169@gmail.com.

A nice young man

2008-06-30T15:53:00.000-07:00

This is a Hello to a nice young man named Nate Horne that I met in the security line at the airport yesterday. I was flying back to Phoenix from BWI when Nate turned around in line and asked me if I was flying to Charlotte (his final destination). We talked for nearly an hour until Nate caught his flight. He is in his second year in the Air Force stationed at Fort Meade in Maryland right now and has never been further west than Texas.
There is a reason that we ran into each other yesterday morning, Nate is searching for peace of mind (aren't we all). He wants to take yoga classes, be a gardner, and a massage therapist. Since Nate is only 22 years old I said, "You should do all of those things!"
Nate, when you finally travel farther west than Texas and you take that Yoga class, please let me know what you think.
Peace and Blessings all.-Andrea

Where did she go

2008-06-27T07:50:00.000-07:00

Contact Andrea directly at missdaisy7169@gmail.com
to see where she'll be teaching yoga next!

Peace of mind.

2008-06-14T13:36:00.000-07:00

Recently I did a scrapbook page that was called "Peace of Mind". On the page there were three spots for different pictures. Then I stopped and looked at the page, wondering-questioning...what brings me peace of mind. What is peace of mind?

A quiet mind. No thinking, no thought or the absence of sadness, frustration, worry?

Peace of mind for me means content in the moment.

I sit on my back porch swing in the evenings and watch my unobstructed view of the sunset. I feel content. Yoga, whether I am practicing or teaching makes me feel content.

My boys, my husband and my dog all sleeping in their beds at night. I feel content.

What brings you peace of mind? Makes you feel content? What pictures would you chose for your page?

Pose of the week.

2008-06-08T11:29:00.000-07:00

Coming soon...

The Pose of the week.

Learn a new yoga pose each week.

The benefits of the pose and the contraindications.

Example above: Malasana, squat or The Garland Pose.

Benefits: A great hip opener/ hip flexor stretch.

Great for pregancy!

Not so great for those that have undergone a complete hip replacement.

An unforgettable homerun

2008-05-21T10:46:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, just sometimes, winning isn't everything.
Sometimes, the power of character and the spirit of team
work are even more important.
What does this have to do with yoga?
Yoga inspires you to be a better person, and so will this
video. Please click on the please watch over there to the right.

This says it all...

2008-05-19T17:11:00.000-07:00

One of the very best "perks" of the work I do at Seville as Group Fitness Coordinator and yoga instructor is that I have become friends with so many of our clubs wonderful members. Many of whom are nice enough to visit my blog on occasion.
One of the families I have had a chance to get to know is the Medveds; Kristin & Val (short for Valentino-you gotta love that) and their two fantastic young boys Luca and Ethan. I have had the privilege of having Kristin and Val in many of my adult yoga classes and their boys in Mini-yogis on Saturdays.
This past Saturday the message in our yoga class was to "Be mindful. Be present." Kristin took this message one step further and wrote it down on her beautiful kitchen message board at home
as a constant reminder for herself and her family. Kristin was nice enough to then send me a photo of the chalk board and special thank you for that days class!
Thank you Kristin. If only one person hears the message from class and takes it out into the world then my work is complete.
Making the world a better place one yoga class at a time. -Andrea
Namaste.

Smile

2008-05-03T13:43:00.000-07:00

I just loved this Yoga Girl! She is everthing I aspire to be...animated-no just kidding. She has a wide smile on her face for the world to see. Clearly, she is content and happy in her heart. She is on her pink yoga mat, her favorite place to be. Her hands are on her knees in saraswati mudra- a gesture of openess that you are ready to receive all good things into your life.

What do you aspire to be?

Are you open and ready to receive all good things into your life?

Happiness-it's a choice.

2008-04-28T20:41:00.000-07:00

For just a moment I want you to think about the happiest person you know.
Someone who every time you see them they are full of joy, bliss, contentment.
You always look forward to seeing them, they never complain about anything
and you feel better for just having been around them.
Now ask yourself, what is the difference between the person you thought of and you?
Of course, the answer is- nothing. There is no difference. Happiness is a choice.
Happiness, joy, bliss- what you decide to give to those around you in your life is all
up to you.
Happiness is a choice. It's a choice, a decision that you make everyday when you swing
your legs over the bed each morning. You put one foot down and then the other and you
decide that breathing in and out for this day is enough to bring you happiness.

Chinese symbol for happiness

2008-04-14T20:17:00.000-07:00

Coming soon...Who is the happiest person you know?

And why?

Just feels like home...

2008-04-04T17:04:00.000-07:00

When I was 12 years old, my parents moved to Arizona. We lived literally 15 minutes from the base of the beautiful Superstition Mountain. I quickly grew to love that mountain. Still, to this day, I always take the time to look at its magnificence. I take the time to be grateful to live so close to something so amazing. A symbol of timeless beauty, nature, peace and to me...it just feels like home.

In yoga practice, we stand in Tadasana or Mountain Pose to bring ourselves back to center. Many yoga poses or asanas were named by the ancient rishis for the beauty they saw in nature. Reminding us to be grateful for the earth and its natural beauty.

As an adult, I quickly grew to love the practice of Yoga. I take the time each day to be grateful that I have found this ancient practice (actually, I believe yoga found me). Much like the Superstition Mountain, yoga is also a symbol of timeless beauty, nature, peace, and to me...it just feels like home. Namaste-Andrea

2008-03-25T18:19:00.000-07:00

Looking for direction

2008-03-25T18:04:00.001-07:00

So, it has officially been about a week now that I have been "Blogging".
I find myself mostly looking for a direction in which to take my blog spot.

In yoga training I was taught to listen to or follow the energy in the room-this is how we learn to teach a class from the heart. We were never allowed to have a certain "routine" written down on paper. Then your teaching would seem 'mechanical' or forced. It is best to see who is in the class, know their strengths and weaknesses and then try to teach something that everyone will enjoy. So, going forward, I will try to apply the same principles to my little corner of the web...I'll see who shows up and try to post something that everyone will enjoy!

Ask Yoga Queen

2008-03-22T13:02:00.000-07:00

Dear Yoga Queen,

My yoga instructor is wonderful and at the end of every class she ends with 'praying hands', then bows and says Namaste. I say it back to her, only because the other students do, but I am always compelled to say thank you afterward. Then I feel awkward because she simply smiles and remains silent. Help! What is the proper etiquette and am I offending her by saying thank you? -Cyndi

Dear Cyndi,

The way you describe your teacher ending your class has become fairly standard in western yoga classes. Namaste is translated as "I bow to you," making it a lovely gesture of equality since the teacher bows first to the students and the students then return the favor of gratitude and respect. Although it isn't necessary to thank the teacher again in english, it is in no way rude. If you feel incomplete without saying thank you, you should continue to say it as no one could possibly be offfended by words of gratitude.

Namaste (and thank you)

Yoga Queen (aka Andrea)

Quote of the day:

2008-03-18T17:54:00.000-07:00

"The only reason for being alive, is to be fully alive!"- D.H. Lawrence

Welcome one and all!!

2008-03-18T17:25:00.000-07:00

First of all let me say how excited I am to be getting my first blog site off the ground!

Instead of an 'official' website -you'll be able to visit me here for yoga advice, yoga events,yoga photos and basically anything to do with yoga in az and anything to do with me!

So, sit back, relax, take a deep breath and join me on my journey.

~namaste.

Andrea