Author: ConcreteRoseTheMoonchild

The Beginning

Many people ask me the question, “Why do you do yoga?” And honestly at first I couldn’t do anything but tell them it was something I liked to do( A good cool down after a lengthy dance rehearsal HELLO!!!!). For me doing yoga after a long day or  workout is something that I look forward to, some may call this positive reinforcement since I always find my self doing something ( It’s hard for me to stick to a routin). I watched random videos daily and incorporated different stretches we do in dance rehearsal. Now let’s be honest searching for videos can be time consuming and some videos are very lengthy. One thing I will say that helps me now is doing Yoga Challenges; it doesn’t matter how long it is just choose one that best fits you. They are normally no longer than 30 mins and vary from 7-30 days. And if you get lucky the person you subscribe to will have morning and night time sequences; as well as different yoga stances, breathing exercises, and a host of other How To’s that will not only make your practice easier but teach you more about the practice.

Slight History

Many people believe yoga began in India over 5,000 years ago. Although that seems to be what is in all the yoga books and when you take a yoga class that’s pretty much the typical story.  Many people to Hinduism and Buddhism solely with the misconception that it is a” feminine” practice or that it is only  for people who are a part of that religion. In reality yoga started with OUR ancestors as an Ancient Kemetic  spiritual practice. The word Yoga means Control or some may say Yoke or Bind. Kemet was the name for ancient Egypt; the people of Kemet were. Many mathematicians, architects, and much more for many years before the people of  India studied yoga. Kemetic Yoga dating back more than 10,000 years was seen as the way to reach your highest form of think and self. The purpose was the merging of an individual’s lower self and higher self striving daily to be a better you. When looking at Egyptian art you notice the correlation of yoga from the many poses our ancestors were in, the names of the poses and the way they were depicted in art form, and the philosophy of Kemetic Yoga in reference to body alignment. Self care and Knowledge of self was the key to civilization and Kemetic Yoga was seen as the outlet.

Benefits

Whether you are just looking to do yoga for the purposes of flexibility, toning,and burning calories; or to deepen your spiritual connection. Yoga is perfect for all these things, when doing yoga the key is to focus on your breathing. We all know we need air to breath, Right? Yoga focuses on that A LOT. Why? Because we forget to breath when we are doing continuous movements and when concentrating. Also breathing helps you flow through movements with ease and is beneficial when holding poses. When doing yoga of any form you often feel pressured to be the more flexible and do things with ease. Well I am here to tell you that thought should never cross your mind. Yoga is about listening to YOUR body and self love. It is always encouraged to take your time and ease  your body into the movement and BREATH. One thing I learned in my practice was patience, a very hard thing to master; When you do yoga you cannot rush through the movement you’ll end up hurting yourself. Yoga is a form of teaching you how to appreciate yourself. Physically you have balance, you’re stronger, and more energetic. Mentally you are calmer, concentration is better, and the practice has meditative qualities. Spiritually your health and well being improves, anxiety decreases , and you a have sense of peace. Emotionally you ignore negative emotions and feelings, and learn to be the truth situations demand. Through yoga you learn to accept their presence and in time negative emotions will cease to control you, as long as you continue to practice.

I do yoga to find my inner peace and to remain CONCRETE in my decisions and SPIRITUALITY!

 DO YOU YOGA?

Peace and Blessing,

My thoughts my views, share with me, vibe with me,

-Rose

Yoga Challenge

      A lot has changed since I first started my spiritual journey. When I first started my yoga practice I was just researching ways to heal my knee as well as my spiritual and mental state of being. Early on I never knew the practice of yoga would lead to something deeper. If you have read my first blog post ” Why Yoga” and “Loose As A Goose” can see how and why I started this journey.

    I get asked the question often, “How did you get it to yoga?”. And I am always compelled to tell the story of how I popped my knee out place while in the middle of a dance performance. How*So Glad You Asked*?!!  During that time I was out of shape mentally, spiritually, and physically.  Mentally I was lacking true self love. I did not realize my value. Somehow I lost site of how influential, talented, and powerful I truly was. Being passive had become second nature causing me to lose my voice in many cases. Over time I silenced my own voice allowing views of others to guide me. I didn’t know who I was; resulting in me big unhappy. Spiritually there was something missing…… me. I was searching for something outside of self. I expecting everything to magically work itself out while I just sat and waited.  Because of this mentality I found myself crying a lot; I was not following the path set out for me. Deep inside I always knew there was a force protecting me. However, I was not connected the way I should have been. Physically I ended up putting on a little weight and I was extremely out of shape. Due to my injury these things doubled. Poor eating habits and an inconsistent working out routine does have its effects on the body. I also found myself not stretching properly before I dance which caused me to strain muscles over time. Needless to say yoga helped aid me in the realization and soothing of all my ailments. Many of you may think saying “Namaste” and burning sage doesn’t do anything. Well I assure you may be right (0.1 % accurate).  However, it is about the core principles that change your life and the lives of those around you. (We will dive into that a little later.)  Initially I started my practice at home on my front porch. I came across YOGA WITH ADRIENE  on YouTube and I was hooked. But we already know this right?……RIGHT!!

Here is the reason I decided to give you an update on Why

I realized yoga is something that has to be a part of my life. I have learned that yoga is more than doing the Asana (Poses). And it is also not just saying  “Namasta” and burning sage or incense. Yoga is a lifestyle; it consist of how you treat yourself daily as well as others. It is about being aware of why and how you feel day in and day out. Owning those feelings as well as reflecting and adjusting those emotions if they do not serve your highest good. Most importantly yoga reminds us we are always learning. WHY?! because we will never know everything. In that we learn how to tame the ego; which means getting uncomfortable. From admitting your wrongs to letting go of things that never truly resonated with our true self. I realized early on that I had a lot of things that were weighing me down spiritually. As I move in and out of yoga poses emotions come up from my past as well as present state. There have been moments where I have cried during a yoga flow or meditation because of the mental space I was in during that time. This is not a bad thing at all; being a yogi is about being. Sweating, crying, shacking, and even falling are all signs of cleansing. Yoga cleanses us of ego, negativity, and all things rooted in fear. *How is this possible?!* Daily we allow our thoughts to unconsciously control our actions. Many of us are aware and refuse to admit it may be the cause of our unhappiness. In yoga many emotions come up at once and we are guided to breath and push pass them. Once that is done we then are able to reflect on the process in peace and quiet. Allowing ourselves to breathe; reflecting on who we truly are and what we are capable of. As I continue my personal practice I give myself more and more time to sit and reflect. I realized those quite moments are important because we are able to see that the answers we sought out for had been there the whole time. Is maintaining a daily yoga practice hard? Of Course! However there is always room and time to get even the smallest of flows in. We can yoga in the car, in our beds, even in the kitchen. Just take some time to get weird and be a kid again.  It all about dedicating time to yourself to get connected.

When I dedicate myself to something I do research to see how things came to pass. When it comes to yoga you are forever a student. I love that reality because there is always something new to learn about yourself and the practice. You can always add on or take away from your practice; the same holds true to your life journey. The history of yoga runs very deep. Depending on the training you take and the books you read you will learn that yoga began in India over 5,000+ years ago. To understand the teachings of yoga we must first overstand it is a lifestyle not a religion. Yes!!! being Yogi is not a religion and is not religion specific. Many people connect yoga to Hinduism and/or Buddhism solely with the misconception that it is a religious practice or devil worship. While some believe it is a “feminine” practice that men shouldn’t do. Truth is in India men and women alike can take on the lifestyle of a Yogi starting at very early ages. Men are some of the leading gurus of the Yogis.

As we dive deeper into the truth we must look to Mother Africa for the original origins of Yoga.

An even deeper truth to this reality is that OUR ancestors created this spiritual system over 10,000 years ago. What is known today as Kemetic/Egyptian Yoga; or as the ancients would say ” Smai Tawi” is the first spiritual practices known to man. However Egypt or Kemet is not were the concepts were birthed. Ancient Nubia and other neighboring dynasties gave birth to these spiritual concepts and yogic text; which Kemet payed homage to. Meditation is noted as the first style of yoga known to man. The Kemetic yogic system is recognized as the foundation of religious structures around the world. When we look at the meaning; yoga means to yoke. Connecting the breath to body as well as our higher and lower self. Smai Tawi ( Kemetic Yoga) means the union of two lands; holding the same purpose and truth as what would be considered today as western yoga inspired by India. As we dig deeper we will find no mention of a Devil in ancient times. The satin or Setian self are our impure thoughts and worldly desires; which strokes our egos. The root of our irrational impulsive actions as well as our greed.  Yoga is designed to help us find that balance so that our ego may be satisfied in a way which feeds the soul; bringing a sense of wholeness to ones being. Many mathematicians, architects, prophets, sages, and much more in early Kemet mastered yoga before perfecting their craft. Yoga was used as a means to reach their highest realm of thinking and self. It is were we found ourselves before entering into the world to master ourselves. When looking at hieroglyphics we notice the correlation of yoga in the many poses our ancestors were in. It is there we notice some Kemetic Yoga poses were named after the gods. Each pose focuses on alignment physically as well as spiritually. The goal is to always balance those energies within ourselves. In doing so we are able to cleanse ourselves of the energy that weighs us down. When the Kemetic Empire spread to India the spiritual practices followed as well. When studying Kemetic Yoga and Modern Yoga the language may be different however the principles and concepts are all the same. Acknowledging words and meaning become lost in translation and dialect; we can see the commonalities run deeper the more we dive into the yogic practice. Although there are many schools of thought the foundation and destination is the same; total peace. There are many forms of yogis and all are respected because of that one simple truth. India keeps the Kemetic Yoga essence alive in the hills. Many individuals break away from their societal structure in search of a deeper meaning to life. This involves fasting and praying for many days. As well as heavy meditation; in this yogis are able to be detach themselves from what is now seen as a normal way of life. The yogi is detached yet fully conscious and in tune.

Benefits

On my last post I go in depth on the benefits of yoga in many ways. After 2 years of practicing I am able to share more of my experience. I used yoga as rehabilitation after my knee injury; from that point on I have been using yoga as a go to for everything. Yoga is great for lower and upper back pains as well as shoulders. For women with painful menstrual cramps restorative and gentle yoga is a great tool for the bloating and the tension. For athletes as well as those who lift a lot of weights yoga gives a wider range of motion and prevents injuries. Yoga is also great for those who have anxiety as well as for those who battle with depression. The breathing techniques assist with calming of the nervous system and treats asthma as well. There are many healing components to the yogic practice and many are still researching other benefits. There is a sense of discipline within the practice that aids adults and children alike with concentration. Those we struggle with a spinal condition can benefit from the practice as well. Where there is a need yoga meets it.

As my journey continues my only goal is to deepen my love and practice. All while sharing the healing practice with others.

DO YOU YOGA?

Peace and Blessing,

My thoughts my views, share with me, vibe with me

It’s a new year and some of us are on the road to being a new and better us. With many new New Year Resolutions in high gear there is one that gets recycled every year. The Resolution to drop a few pounds. We often start off motivated and inspired however somewhere we fall off some where along the way. No worries this is not a blog to post nasty pictures of pork and red meet; or to tell you how bad it is. I am here to tell you that it’s OKAY. And to ask a question that many of us may have yet to ask ourselves.

Does Size Really Matter?!

We have heard the term size matters time and time again. However, does that statement hold true in the context of a woman’s figure? Over the years the color of our skin and the shape of our body has caused much controversy. We find ourselves using terms such as skinny, petite, thick, average, fat, and obese; what does it look like to be any of theses sizes? Who signs off on the meaning of too fat or too skinny? Some may argue that words such as thick are used out of context. Many of us obsess over our weight because we want to have the perfect body. Causing ourselves to become sick in the process; not just in terms of anorexia and bulimia. There are some of us who find ourselves over indulging to gain the pounds we feel we lack. Everywhere we turn there are cross-fit gyms, personal trainers, and social media sensations desire to look like. However many of us are merely imitating what we see. Is that wrong? Of course not. The true danger in not knowing is dietary. Often times we work out and return home to poor eating habits. If we are not putting the right fuel in our bodies how well we keep it up will not matter. Health Over Image; many of us live in the gym only to have serious health conditions later on. Does our bodies really make us who we are if we are constantly ill?

Body Shape Does Not Determine Health!! When speaking of health I am talking in  terms of  immunity, physically, spiritually, and mentally. We often confuse physique with health. You can be thick and very healthy; slim and unhealthy. As well as fat and vegan or skinny and have poor eating habits. The true work is in eating to live not living to eat. Meaning it is our responsibility to keep our bodies functioning properly.There is nutrients in all of the foods we should be eating to give us longevity. Our food consumption is the key to a well functioning vessel. Taking the natural approach not only give us a great body but it acts as a preventative regiment to fight off ailments. Yes, meat is not meant for our bodies however it is not a necessity to drop it completely. Asses how your body feels when you eat certain meats and/or too much meat. And make the judgement on what you need to cut out. The truth is too much meat is bad for the body and we will get sick. Taking baby steps is what is needed to get our bodies to full health. When taking the natural route whether vegan, vegetarian, or simply all organic our bodies begin to take its natural form and is able to fight off any ailment it encounters. Exercising is an additive to assist in the toning and longevity of mind, body,and soul. Taking our health into our own hands is an act of self love. We should feel as good as we look and look as look as good as we feel.

Health Secretes They Don’t Tell You? 

Being mindful that when you change your habits of eating along with you personal life your body begins to return to it’s natural state and size. Many of us do not realize how important eating clean is to the body and soul. The foods we consume have the power to charge, cleanse, and strengthen our chakras as well as harm them. Chakras are our energy wheels with in the body. Think of them as pressure point of the soul. Our chakras can be over stimulated, under stimulated, or blocked completely. They are a reflection of our mental and emotional state. Our mentality is what controls the state of our chakras as well as our daily functions and interaction. What we consume and engage in daily has the power drain or energize the chakras. There are food that are soothing to the soul as well as food that can clog the soul. Fruit and vegetable naturally have a direct correlation to the chakra system bring our longevity and vitality to body. The foods we crave, our emotional state, and areas of stress or tension is a reflection of our chakra alignment.  Balancing our intake of proteins ( not necessarily meats), roots, spices, liquids, and more makes way for a healthy diet and chakra system. When are chakra are cleansed and aligned we tend to have more clear perspective on our day to day life as well as smoother days. We are less sluggish and cravings; emotions are stable with less of a tendency for out burst and lash outs.

Know that we have more control and will power over our emotions than we realize. We have healthier food options that give us the ability to be Eco-friendly and health conscious. Health is wealth not the other way around.

Listed below are tips about ways to naturally lose weight as well as vegan habits that may help you pack on pounds.

30 Ways To Loose Weight Naturally

7 Secretes To Be Naturally Thin

5 Vegan Foods That Make You Fat

Peace and Blessing,
My thoughts my views, Share with me, vibe with me
– Rose 

We all desire to be understood in one capacity or another; if not understood we have a right to be respected. Often times we feel as though being understood is a sign of respect. However, we can agree to disagree. Meaning, we may not understand where one another is coming from but we respect each other for standing for something. Well what happens when we encounter individuals who do not want to understand us and do not respect our perspective at all? Do we get angry? Engage in throwing low blows? Why should we do anything of that nature? When sharing information with others that may go against their experiences it is without a doubt a sensitive conversation. It doesn’t have to be; yet it is because we are passionate beings by nature. But, we can not be angry with those who do not understand and  may not want to .

There comes a time when we have to take ownership and pride in our path. And often times that means turning off the noise of others. When people share their opinion it may be out of doubt, fear, their experience, or feelings. Turning off the noise entails not carrying it with us and having tunnel vision. This may lead to a lonely road for quite sometime; we may feel as though no one understands us. We may even question ourselves as to why we are on this journey. Having a moment of confusion is okay; digging deeper is always needed in these moments. When we find we are closer to the life we knew always existed it can also be scary. Living a life that makes us happy can be scary. We begin to doubt ourselves knit picking at certain things; maybe even questioning is it real, is it possible, and “what if’s” begin to form. We remember things people have done and said to us; comparing ourselves to others. Often times we can be our biggest critics and enemies all by overthinking. In moments of change and isolation compassion for self is a major key. It is a major key because we are unlearning and relearning. Some of us are entering into the dark night of the soul, others are in that moment, or some of us may be at the end of the tunnel. When evolving having self compassion for self while others may not understand you is the healing component. No, it is not easy. It isn’t suppose to be easy but it is worth it. We allow ourselves to have a clean slate and take on our fears and challenges head on. Finding your voice and purpose is the gift; the light at the end of the tunnel. In that you find you need zero validation from anyone.

Someone who needs zero validation from others is often seen as a threat. * What!!* Yikes. The reason being is due to the fact that the social structure may be at risk. That person is seen as a rebel.  One rebel may inspire or encourage another person to be themselves as well; perhaps causing them to question why they haven’t been true to who they are all along. Before you know it dynamics have changed and others have shifted their perspective as well. Many of us are afraid of the light because it shines the brightest on the truth. However, when we find our light we begin to love ourselves. Own our truth allows us to take pride and joy in all the things that we love. And in those darkest moments of our life we can find a way to make it through things that aren’t as enjoyable. We remember we are the light we have allows been seeking because it is within us; that is when we begin to free ourselves. Those who may not understand us may not want to or they simply can not process it. Often times those two mindsets go hand in hand. Can you blame them?! In being angry with those who do not understand us we discredit our own journey.  We have all been in the same exact place before we embarked on our journey back to self.  This makes us all hypocrites to some extent due to the fact that we have changed. What set us aside from a hypocrite is admitting that we have all been there before without judging others. We have all come from “nothingness” we just woke up. In this we are free to speak our truth and love others from a distance if need be. Learning from our journey gives the gift of compassion. So, can we blame them? Yes and No.

Yes, we can blame them due to the fact that there are too  many sources of knowledge to be completely in the dark. However, many people are not completely in the dark. As humans we choose what we want to receive as knowledge dismissing what we can not completely wrap our minds around. This is because of our upbringings, belief systems, and society. With that being said; no we can not blame them. Although we know we should not dismiss nothing but rather question everything.  Many have not fully grasp that concept. Being able to question things requires uncomfortable conversations. In those conversations we have to be open, willing, and able to pull back layers of ourselves and question why we think the way we do. This process can be uncomfortable and scary. It comes with the reality that we have to let go of things and people that often times we are not ready and willing to give up. Can we blame them? Sure, with compassion. * What does that even mean?!!* Agree to disagree and continue to do you. Over time we see who our true friends are. Those who accept you for you and keep a respectful relationship. Compassion eliminates judgement and leaves us light. Eventually your opinion and/or perspective will be wanted. Those are the moments when we speak truth to power.

Peace and Blessing,
My thoughts my views, Share with me, vibe with me
– Rose