I have been practicing yoga for quite some time, and have a secret envy for those that are able to do handstands. Admittedly, I am not there yet, but I am looking forward to the day when I can let my body go, and trust that my head won’t fall through the floor.

What has really helped me lately with my postures? I avidly follow others in social media, and watch them perform their poses. As a visual learner, I can honestly say that this has advanced my own practice tremendously. So, I thought that this week, I would share with you some of my favourite yogis doing their thing and help awaken your mystic beast through your visual senses.

Kino MacGregor

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Day 28 #mayibeginyoga2015 is Tripod Headstand, Mukta Hasta Sirsasana A. Start off with an easy approach and stack the shins on the shelves of the upper arms. Actively draw the elbows towards each other to keep them in line with the shoulders. When your arms feel stable and the core is engaged firmly then inhale to shift the hips slightly forward and come up. Align your body along the center line and avoid dumping weight into your lower back. Check my YouTube channel for full tutorials. Check @beachyogagirl for another option. Video by @ifilmyoga

A post shared by Kino MacGregor (@kinoyoga) on May 27, 2015 at 9:06pm PDT

I was just recently introduced to Kino MacGregor’s Yoga, and became intrigued by the way she smiles through her pain. Delving deeper, I realized that as a yogi, she embodies a sense of traditionalism within her teaching, as well as modernism through her style and delivery.  This duality made me pay attention.

I haven’t practiced much in the method of Ashtanga, which is the style that Kino teaches. But her integration of yoga, ethical fashion, and the environment clearly haven’t just inspired me. As a published author and co-founder of the Miami Life Center, Kino currently has over 825, 000 followers on her Instagram account and over 65 million views on her YouTube channel.
I might just purchase a DVD of hers, or perhaps try a visit to the Ashtanga Centre in Toronto, where I can try out some of these amazing MySore moves that she demonstates. Either way, my practice is starting to evolve, just by watching her.

Ray

I guess practicing yoga runs in the family because I am totally proud and in awe of my cousin, Ray. Admittedly, I haven’t seen much of her since she took a position for Lululemon in their head office in British Columbia. But I am totally watching her moves through her Instagram account. Whether she is hiking up mountains, or hanging on the beach, she inspires me to go the distance.

I mean if she can handstand, can’t I? Not only is my upside down cuz able to defy gravity, but she can cook like no vegetarian I know.

Her food blog has also inspired me to try and take better food pictures, as well. Not to mention that her amazing recipes encouraged to bring family and friends together, has gotten serious media attention Gastropost, Food52, and of course Lululemon, to name a few. I think I need her to come back to Toronto soon to spot me in a handstand and trade a recipe or two. This girl is definitely going places, and I heart her.

Acroyoga

It is hard to imagine just balancing on my own. My jaw drops seeing the incredible feats of a trio being able to both balance and counterbalance in amazing postures that defy gravity. AcroYoga combines the elements of acrobats into yoga. Founded in 2003, its premise is based on three elements: Solar Acrobatic Practices, to cultivate trust and power; Lunar Healing, that help the learner to listen, practice and let go; and Yogic that reteaches breathing awareness, life balance and connection.

Please don’t misunderstand my intentions in showing these amazing photos. I am just working at handstands, and I don’t plan on trying this myself anytime in the near future. In researching, I learned that the Yoga Tree north of Toronto, offers some of these amazing classes. It is definitely something I will keep in the back of my mind.

Yoga Beyond

I remember while dating a yogi he suggested that we practice yoga together. I thought at the time that I could never, ever, ever do that with someone else. The idea simply was not appealing.
I now have actually have come full circle on this idea. Watching Honza and Claudine Lafond from Sydney, travel the world and practice together has helped me visualize the benefit of doing this with someone you trust and love. I can imagine that this would be a lot of fun, and definitely help push the boundaries a bit more.

The Yoga Beyond brand originated in Sydney, Australia. It has elements of AcroYoga in it, but to me, it seems a bit more intimate. Ironically, I have this idea that I may be moving to Sydney for a year. If I do, I will definitely be checking out their classes. Their fun spirits have definitely inspired me! Now, I just need a partner to play yoga with!  Actually,  I would just settle for anyone to do yoga with!

Final Thoughts

Don’t these pictures just scream, amazing? There are many more yogis that I am following, and I will definitely come back to sharing some more of this journey in the future.

My first plan will be to check myself into the nearest Ashtanga studio by my home, try it out, and take some awesome pictures to help my own practice. I have been so faithful to my studio that it is hard to go somewhere new. But, “It’s never too late, never too bad and never too old or too sick to start from scratch once again”, says Bikram Choudhury. Its time to try that philosophy out, and change up my practice a bit.
à bientôt,
scubagal
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