Sometimes people say the most hurtful things.
April 5, 2022
I used to faint at the prick of a finger or sight of blood. However, after stabbing myself with needles throughout three rounds of infertility treatments, it’s safe to say that I no longer pass out. But I still give the phlebotomist or nurse a heads up just in case I fall over in the chair. Because, after scaring them and myself a time or two, I know to speak up, lol! Today, was no different.
That’s a wrap!
March 15, 2022
Over the past few months, we’ve offered an overview of the eight limbs of yoga and suggestions for how to incorporate each one into your daily life while facing fertility challenges.
Wait, what? There’s more to yoga than just the physical practice?
November 3, 2021
I remember the first time I was introduced to yoga (not just the physical practice we’re all too familiar with here in the West). I had just completed three rounds of timed intercourse with injections — but none of them took. I was devastated, and I was in the midst of trying to decide what to do next. So, I signed up for a yoga retreat in the mountains. It was a much-needed respite from the overwhelming grief, frustration, and anxiety I had been experiencing for quite some time.
Yoga is Never About the Shape You’re Making
October 26, 2021
What comes to mind when you think of or hear the word ‘yoga’?
I’m guessing you’ve come across yoga in the media. Maybe you’ve seen a magazine cover while waiting in line at the grocery store. Or maybe you follow a yoga influencer on Instagram who posts drills on how to achieve the highly-coveted vertical handstand. Maybe you’ve taken a yoga class or two at your local gym or yoga studio.
Awareness
October 19, 2021
Not that we need more reasons to avoid what we hope we don’t experience, October is not only Depression Awareness Month (see this post), it’s also Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. For some of us, this reminder is extremely painful. If you have ever been in that place where you have lost a child, born or unborn, it's heartbreaking and our condolences are with you.
Mental State
October 14, 2021
You may have heard that October 10th was World Mental Health Day. But what is your own awareness of YOUR mental health?
The World Health Organization created this day to bring awareness to mental health conditions and start to de-stigmatize them.
Child’s Pose is for Advanced Yoga Practitioners Only
October 5, 2021
If you’ve ever taken a yoga class, you’ve most likely found yourself in child’s pose at some point throughout the practice. For many, child’s pose (also known as balasana) is a position used to transition from one posture to the next (baby cobra to downward facing dog) or one part of the class to another part (vinyasa to floor). Students are encouraged to rest in child’s pose if they become out of breath or need a moment to pause. All of those uses are considered acceptable. Another use that many don’t realize or want to accept is that child’s pose is often used by advanced practitioners as a means of surrendering. Yes, surrendering.
1 Simple way to meditate
September 28, 2021
Meditation can sometimes feel mystical. Imagine a monk wearing a robe sitting high atop a mountain in the Himalayas, not eating for days, not cold (despite the weather), and totally relaxed in body and mind. Sure, that monk has had years of practice, but meditation does not need to look like that.
3 Breathing techniques to help you cope
September 21, 2021
Breathing is automatic, it's autonomic, but how often do we check in on how we’re breathing? The breath works as a way to tell our brain if we’re safe, or if we’re in harm's way. The way you’re breathing right now, might be signalling to your brain that you’re not currently safe: stressed out from work, running from the neighborhood dog, worried about that next doctor's appointment.
5 Yoga poses to help you build heat
September 14, 2021
Fall is fastly approaching! The leaves are starting to turn yellow and the nights are getting cooler. Here at Orchid Experience we use yoga to help us stay warm and grounded as the season starts to change. Here are our 5 favorite poses to help us warm up.