Level Up January
Hello hello hello and happy new year to you!
There is something so magical about starting a new year, and now, a new decade - it feels like an incredible opportunity to assess and reflect on what got us to this point, and how we want to move forward.
The past few years I've done the same New Year’s ritual. I journal about the prior year, reflecting on how I feel the year went in specific categories. These are:
Career
Finances
Friends/Family
Health/Wellness
Romantic Relationship(s)
Hobbies/Fun
Personal Development
I’ll journal for a bit about each of these categories to get a sense of what happened over the last 12 months, and to also determine if I’m satisfied with where these categories sit now. Then, I’ll meditate a bit on how these could evolve over the next year, and write out my intentions.
It’s a more chill version of goal setting - more than anything, it’s a way to stay conscious of what matters to me in my life, and create a pointed effort to move my life in the direction I want, rather than letting life just happen to me.
I highly recommend this practice - it always feels good to reflect and renew - and if you feel like there something missing in your life, it’s a beautiful way to identify it and create intention and action around it. Let me know if you try it!
WHEW. OKAY.
If you’re still reading after all of that - welcome! If you know me, you know that I luuuuuurve to write and share (I've had about a thousand blogs), and that is the purpose of this monthly newsletter. As a yoga teacher and a general (big time) consumer of wellness and fitness, I’m in the habit of sharing what I'm working on or loving, since I know that you are also someone who wants to level up in all aspects of your life too!
So, every month, I intend to share with you monthly dharma (a philosophical or spiritual focus), wellness tips I’m vibing on, music I’m playing in my classes, health-related products I’m trying and loving, yoga poses that will inspire you in your own practice, and any relevant schedule updates you need to know about! If there is something you are dying for me to write about, let me know!
January Yoga Pose of the Month: Crossed Ankle Crow Pose (Bakasana)
I was inspired to start teaching this variation of Bakasana after I learned it in another teacher's class. I absolutely loved how it felt in my body - the crossed ankles really help to draw your knees into your center line, giving you so much more stability to really lift up!
I've been teaching this pose starting from a crossed ankle Diver's Pose, which is actually really challenging! Crossed ankles on your tippy toes is a weird feeling at first!
Key concepts:
Keep your core IN and your gaze OUT. When we look down, we fall down. Looking out allows us to counter balance without falling on our faces!
Point your toes to draw your heels closer to your butt.
Keep breathing the entire time rather than holding your breath - you'll stay in it longer.
Once you've gotten a little air, aim to stay in it for 5 cycles of breath.
If Crow is really new for you, put a pillow under your face so you're less afraid of falling forward. Remember - we have to fall a few times to find our balance - it's okay not to get it right away!
Try it out and let me know how it goes!
Wellness I’m Loving Lately:
I am on a skincare KICK right now. Ever since I’ve started teaching hot yoga, my skin has been, to put it lightly, a hot f*ckin’ mess. The heat simultaneously dries me out and makes me break out. Let’s just say it’s been a journey, friends, and I’m in the middle of the hike uphill. So, I’m back on my monthly facial regimen at Heyday. If you live in a city where you have HeyDay, you should RUN there for their affordable and amazing facials, and all natural skincare. I’m a member, so I know that I have a facial on the calendar every single month.
If you live in a city without this awesome institution, ask around or look up natural facial provides near you. Even with my skin still in a bit (okay, a LOT) of breakout mode, my skin looks SO much smoother, plumper, and more even in tone after a facial. If you spend a lot of time sweating, this is a necessity - you will be amazed (or super grossed out) by how much congestion is living in your skin.
Also, I always feel good when I’m doing something to treat myself. I know it can seem like facials are frivolous, but IT’S YOUR FACE. I don’t think I need to explain to you why it matters.
My favorite products that I'm currently using are my Naturopathica Neroli Clarifying Facial Oil for therapeutic moisture and Eminence Probiotic Moisturizer. They make my skin feel nourished and hydrated but also super clean and light. These products are ultra concentrated so you don't need to use a lot at once - they LAST - GBLESS.
January Playlist to Rock Out To: These are my absolute favorite songs I played through the month of December, all compiled in a catchy lil playlist just for you. Think Erykah Badu, ChloZee, dvsn, Missy Elliot, Lion Babe, and more! You're welcome in advance for the rock out sesh.
January Announcements!
I've officially launched my new website! It's full of ways to work with me, schedule updates, and business-ey stuff like that.
Speaking of schedule, here is my permanent schedule as it stands NOW. A few newbies in there - can't wait to see you on the mat! As always, keep you eye on my Instagram (@StephanieBSchwartz) for extra classes I've picked up to sub!
Alright crew, happy January. I seriously love you. Be well!
Stephanie