Diary of a Yogic Transformation

Hello fitness fans!

Wow, what year it has been for me. I won't go into detail, but let's just keep it at "life changing." Anyways, I'm back up to speed and I'm excited to start posting my blogs again about fitness, health, nutrition, spirituality, and of course, my favorite, YOGA!!!

Speaking of which, I recently graduated from an intensive yoga teacher training. It was a profound experience filled with laughs, tears, dangling upside down, reiki attunement, and deep personal healing. It's amazing how much I learned about myself on my mat during this time. It gave me a deep gratitude for everything I have, a deeper acceptance of who I am, and the deepest peace I have ever felt in my entire life. In the mix of all of this, I started a Kundalini Yoga practice.

Now, Kundalini yogis, these are the weirdos of the yoga community. They're the ones chanting, dressing all in white (usually included by a little white hat or turban) and the style of yoga is completely different than hatha. Most of the movements are quick and forceful while incorporating a breath of power or fire.

My first real experience was with a lady named Joy. And although this Joy character seemed kinda spacey and well, picture the fortune telling lady from Harry Potter with the thick glasses, her name said it all. She was vibrating with joy and happiness. So while I was a bit cautious approaching this practice at first, I was intrigued by the radiating beauty and calm of the woman in front of me. I thought to myself, this woman has something figured out. She has a deep peace and contentment I've rarely seen in anyone. I want to have what she has. So, acknowledging this desire, I realized I would have to do what she does in order to attain it. So with the guidance of my best friend (who actually started a Kundalini practice a few months prior and had an amazing transformation) I began.

My current path of Kriyas (or postures)

http://www.3ho.org/kundalini-yoga/kundalini-yoga-yb/kriyas-meditations/featured-meditations/pdfs/TenBodies.pdf

So incorporating Kundalini into my daily practice, here are some things I've noticed happening:

I'm more present in the moment
I have more overwhelming moments of gratitude for everything I have
I feel more content with myself
When I speak, it feels more truthful and wise
I feel more emotionally balanced
More positive people are presenting themselves in my life
Everything seems to make more sense to me (well, except Math...I don't know if yoga can fix that though lol)

I am still making my journey on this path and I am learning as I go. I have found that like most things, experience is the greatest teacher here. With all the changes I've noticed so far though, I can see that this practice is profound.

And just in case you're wondering, I haven't adopted a turban or little white hat as one of my accessories...but I would maybe. It could be a strategic place to store a sandwich or car keys.

Your Trainer,

Erin Is Awesome

Detox Kale and Spinach Soup! It tastes good for real!

Due to popular demand I am sharing my ultimate detox smoothie recipe! This is the smoothie I used on my cleanse. In 2 weeks I lost over 2% body fat and about 5lbs. In three weeks (I know, I’m crazy), I lost just over 3% body fat. Unlike a juice fast, this recipe gives a lot o protein for muscle repair. Vegetables do have a certain percentage o f protein naturally, but for someone who hits the weights a few times a week, this smoothie gives more aminos for the muscles to repair.

1 cup kale
1 cup spinach
1-2 tbsp fresh cilantro
½ of a tomato
1 cucumber
½ an avocado
½ lime (squeeze the juice)
1 tbsp cumin
½ tbsp turmeric
½ tbsp curry
½ tbsp Himalayan crystal salt( or sea salt)
1-2 servings of unflavored plant fusion protein powder
2-3 cups of water


Combine all ingredients into a blender. I happen to have a vitamix so I can gently warm the smoothie so it’s more like a soup. If you don’t have one of these marvelous blenders, you can blend all the ingredients and then to warm it, pour it in a sauce pan and warm on low (rule to keep it raw is to be able to place your finger in the pan without having to remove it as a check) and keep the soup under 104 Fahrenheit.


I recommend drinking two of the above servings throughout the day while on the cleanse to make sure you get enough calories. You may also want to incorporate a salad for lunch or dinner if you need some crunch during your cleanse.
Good Luck. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me
Happy Cleansing!!!