The Power of Yoga & Surfing

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Hey all!

I hope you are having a beautiful and productive week.  Mine has been really busy- but also really fruitful as I got to spend so much time with people and working on myself.

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of taking part in the Iaera yoga & surf sesh in La Jolla. I had battled 2 stomach bugs, and a dozen migraines since the new year, and I didn’t realize how much my body actually needed it.

I was happily greeted by Laura from Iaera and some yummy starbucks coffee for everyone. AMEN. It was a little brisk outside so I was really grateful I wore my Iaera mazu rash. We jumped into some awesome yoga led by Laureen, but oh boy was I struggling. I guess I didn’t realize that because my body had gone through so much trauma in the previous couple of months, that it had got so wound up and tight.

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We did lots of twists and compressions. Let’s just say my obliques were sore for 3 days. I wasn’t going to complain getting to be in the fresh air, under the palm trees and the ocean in front of me(the sand was literally 20 yards away). I also got to meet some wonderful people.

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I love finding new ways to wear my Iaera- I’ve been wearing my pieces for mountain biking in the morning as well. I like to think it makes me more aerodynamic 😉

After about an hour of yoga, we got to suit up to head out for a surf. Needless to say, I felt like a magical unicorn that could do anything!

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  1. Yoga allows you to connect to yourself- to do a self inventory physically and mentally. This is really important in general, and something that greatly impacts your surfing. I didn’t carry any negativity with me into the ocean when I went out after.
  2. Yoga is a preventative measure. Most of us don’t stretch enough- let’s be honest. It’s even more obvious if you are an athlete or have physically challenging hobbies. It prepares our bodies for what is to come. When I went to paddle out, my shoulders were so loose and warm. My first pop-up felt like magic. It felt so easy. I’ve never felt so good in a session.

3. Surfing has many benefits- I could go on and on- it’s great for anxiety and depression, to disconnect from technology etc. When partnering yoga with surfing, I enter the ocean with soul purpose of connecting with it and the people around me. Yoga serves the purpose of connecting to myself- and surfing connects me to everything God has placed around me. It’s truly healing and life-giving. unnamed

unnamed-4The waves were little but so clean, and the water clarity was amazing that day. I loved being able to paddle out with some totally grounded people. Laura is probably one of most easy-going gals i’ve surfed with. She just has a calming and warm presence in the water. unnamed-2.jpgI was so excited when I saw that there was going to be another Yoga + Surf event in March. I immediately made sure my calendar was clear. I hope some of my Orange County ladies can shoot down for the morning as well- it’s going to be another amazing morning! (Just search Low Tide Yoga on facebook to RSVP-it’s free-  or you can probably find it on my facebook page)28576493_10213122770997530_3572032616459010542_nunnamed-16

 

You will also have the chance to win some Iaera gear if you attend– AYO! I love being a brand ambassador for a company that I can stand by and say is ethically made- and made for ladies of all shapes and sizes honestly.

If you want to browse Iaera, and do a little shopping- I have a discount code for 20% off

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(I’m not making any money off of this- just sharing the LOVE)

Love you all, & hope this was inspiring and informative

xoxo

Ashley